Observation

This question was unpopular among the candidates and the few ones who attempted it did not score good marks. They misunderstood the demands of the question and wrote on slave trade while others focused on colonial economy which made it impossible to raise any good points. However, few candidates were able to identify trade by barter, use of head portage, weekly and daily markets, local, regional and international markets. To get good marks, candidates were expected to mention the following points.

1. There were local, regional and international markets.
2. There were weekly and daily markets.
3. Items were exchanged by means of barter.
4. As trading became complex, cowries and gold dust were introduced as medium of exchange.
5. Professional trading groups developed in the country.
6. Inland trade was in the hands of middlemen.
7. There were trade links between Nigeria and her neighbours.
8. The use of head portrage.
9. The use of market police to maintain security.
10. Collection of local dues by appointed officers.
11. Market masters were used for supervision and management of markets.
12. The existence of well organised trade routes connecting the market centres.
13. Hawking of goods/articles.
14. Existence of trust system.
15. Transportation of goods, by footpaths, boats and animals.
16. The existence of trading guilds.