Spatial Patterns of Production Subcontracting in Nigeria; a case studof the Lagos Region

Studies on production subcontracting have usually beeri conducted within the
transaction costs perspective. This has 'tended 'to hinder an understanding of the
networks of interfirm relationships which could be better understood through a ·.
spatial perspective. This study which analyzes the spatial relatio_nships amongst
places through subcontracting introduces the spatial perspective.
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In a broad sense, this study analyzes the spatial relationships amongst places
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through production subcontracting, using the Lagos region as a case· study. The
Lagos region is defined as the Lagos metropolitan area, and the outlying districts
of Agbara, Sango/Ota and Ojodu/Isheri, in Ogun State. Data were collected from
both secondary and primary sources.,.· The collection of data from the primary
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source involved reconnaissance survey and questionnaire interview. The
questionnaire administered on the 68 contracting fi~s covered the background
information, and subcontracting history of the firms. . Secondary data 'Were
collected from several sources including the Manufacturers' Association of
Nigeria (MAN) Industrial Directory, Vanguard Yellow Pages, the Nigeria·n
Telephone Directory, the Nigerian Annual Abstract of Statistics, the Directory of
Incorporated Companies, and the Feder~l Ministry of Industries, Abuja. Other ·
sources are the National Population Commission, National_ Medical Directory, and .
the Nigeria Road Network Map.