JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Commerce 2001
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2001 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Commerce is defined as the study of how

A. man utilizes the resources in his physical environment
B. man produces, distributes and consumes his goods and services
C. man buys, sells and distributes goods and services
D. raw materials are changed into finished goods
Explanation

Commerce focuses on the buying, selling, and distribution of goods and services, which aligns with option C.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The type of activity which turns processed raw materials into consumer and industrial goods is described as

A. extractive
B. manufacturing
C. constructive
D. processing
Explanation

Manufacturing involves transforming raw materials into finished consumer and industrial goods, making B the correct choice.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The production process that combines two or more raw materials into one end product is

A. conditioning
B. blending
C. merging
D. synthesis
Explanation

Blending refers to combining multiple raw materials to create a single product, fitting the description in the question.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

A demonstration of social responsibility by a business is the payment of

A. taxes to government
B. dividends to shareholders
C. interest on loans
D. premium for insurance
Explanation

Paying taxes contributes to societal development, which is a key aspect of social responsibility for a business.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

A distinguishing characteristic of a limited liability company is that it

A. is a collection of many sole proprietors
B. is a multiple partnership
C. can sue and be sued
D. has limited resources
Explanation

A limited liability company has a separate legal identity, allowing it to sue and be sued, which is a defining feature.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following takes place when firms producing at different stages in the same industry combine?

A. Conglomeration
B. Vertical integration
C. Horizontal integration
D. Cartel
Explanation

Vertical integration occurs when firms at different stages of production in the same industry merge, such as a manufacturer and a distributor.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following groups is paid first when a firm liquidates?

A. Preference shareholders
B. Debenture holders
C. Ordinary shareholders
D. Cumulative preference shareholders
Explanation

Debenture holders are creditors and have priority over shareholders during liquidation, as they are paid before equity holders.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Compulsory dissolution of a business can arise from

A. an agreement by the owners
B. a declaration by a court of law
C. the termination of its life
D. an unfavourable economic climate
Explanation

Compulsory dissolution typically occurs through legal intervention, such as a court order, making B the correct answer.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following is a characteristic of a cooperative society?

A. Unlimited liability for members
B. Profit distribution based on shareholding
C. Democratic control by members
D. Separate legal entity from members
Explanation

A cooperative society is characterized by democratic control, where members have equal voting rights, typically one member, one vote.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Calculate the working capital of a business with current assets of N25,000 and current liabilities of N10,000.

A. N10,000
B. N15,000
C. N20,000
D. N35,000
Explanation

Working capital = Current assets - Current liabilities = N25,000 - N10,000 = N15,000.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

A company earned a total revenue of N108 million with a total cost of N91 million in 1991. If it paid 45% tax on its gross profit for that year, determine its net profit

A. N24.65 million
B. N17.00 million
C. N9.35 million
D. N7.65 million
Explanation

Gross profit = Revenue - Cost = 108 - 91 = N17 million. Tax at 45% = 0.45 * 17 = N7.65 million. Net profit = Gross profit - Tax = 17 - 7.65 = N9.35 million.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

What are the fixtures and fittings in a balance sheet?

A. Liquid capital
B. Current assets
C. Fixed assets
D. Working capital
Explanation

Fixtures and fittings are long-term assets used in business operations, classified as fixed assets on a balance sheet.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The government may impose import duties for the following reasons EXCEPT

A. to raise revenue for other services
B. to act as a retaliatory measure against other governments
C. to discourage the redistribution of income at home
D. to protect home industries from external competition
Explanation

Import duties are typically imposed to raise revenue, protect local industries, or retaliate against other countries, not to discourage income redistribution, which is unrelated to import duties.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following is a key factor in choosing the location of a retail business?

A. Availability of raw materials
B. Proximity to customers
C. Access to heavy machinery
D. Low cost of labor
Explanation

For a retail business, proximity to customers is a key factor, as it ensures accessibility and attracts more foot traffic, boosting sales.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The use of coin-operated machines to sell goods is a form of

A. personal selling
B. retailing
C. wholesaling
D. mail-order selling
Explanation

Coin-operated machines, like vending machines, are a form of retailing as they sell goods directly to consumers.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

What is the major function of the wholesaler?

A. Buying from small-scale producers and selling to exporters
B. Buying in bulk and selling in small quantities to retailers
C. Granting of credit facilities to retailers
D. Providing information to manufacturers on market situation
Explanation

The primary role of a wholesaler is to buy in bulk from producers and sell in smaller quantities to retailers for distribution.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The rate at which a country’s exports exchange for its imports is called

A. balance of payments
B. balance of trade
C. terms of payment
D. terms of trade
Explanation

The terms of trade refer to the ratio at which a country’s exports are exchanged for its imports, reflecting the relative value of trade.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The difference between the total payments for imports and the receipts from exports within a given period is referred to as

A. balance of payments
B. balance of trade
C. comparative cost advantage
D. comparative advantage
Explanation

The balance of trade is the difference between the value of a country’s exports and imports over a specific period.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

A pro-forma invoice is NOT required when

A. quoting for the supply of goods
B. goods are sent on approval
C. dealing regularly with a customer
D. final prices are uncertain
Explanation

A pro-forma invoice is typically used for quotations or uncertain pricing. When dealing regularly with a customer, a formal invoice is used instead.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following statements is TRUE about sea transport?

A. All ships have specific routes to ply
B. All ships must be insured at every journey
C. All ships are insured separately from the crew
D. All ships normally arrive at their destination with goods
Explanation

Ships and their crew are typically insured separately, as crew insurance (e.g., liability) differs from cargo or vessel insurance.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The postal organization which preceded Nigerian Postal Service is

A. Post and Telecommunications
B. Post and Telephone
C. Post and Teleprinter
D. Post and Telegraph
Explanation

The Nigerian Postal Service was preceded by the Post and Telegraph, a colonial-era organization handling mail and telegraph services.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Goods discharged from ships on which import duties have not been paid are kept in the

A. ordinary warehouse
B. public warehouse
C. private warehouse
D. bonded warehouse
Explanation

A bonded warehouse is used to store goods on which import duties have not yet been paid, pending clearance.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

A sole proprietor insured his goods worth N200,000 for half the value. There was a fire incident in which goods valued at N80,000 were destroyed. The value of compensation expected from the insurer is

A. N40,000
B. N80,000
C. N100,000
D. N200,000
Explanation

The goods were insured for half their value (N200,000 / 2 = N100,000). Under the average clause, for a loss of N80,000, the insurer pays proportionally: (80,000 / 200,000) * 100,000 = N40,000.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

One of the effects of the devaluation of the Naira is that the

A. goods that can be imported with the Naira have become cheaper
B. value of other currencies relative to the Naira has become cheaper
C. goods that can be exported from Nigeria have become costlier
D. imports that can be bought with the Naira have become costlier
Explanation

Devaluation reduces the Naira’s value, making imports more expensive as more Naira is needed to buy foreign goods.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Drawing two parallel lines across a cheque means that it has to be paid into the account of the

A. payee
B. drawer
C. drawee
D. payer
Explanation

Crossing a cheque with two parallel lines means it must be paid into the payee’s bank account, restricting direct cash withdrawal.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The financial institution established to boost Nigeria’s trade with the rest of the world is called

A. Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation
B. Nigerian Economic Reconstruction Fund
C. Nigerian Industrial Development Bank
D. Nigerian Export-Import Bank
Explanation

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) was established to promote Nigeria’s international trade by providing financing and support.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme was set up by the federal government in order to

A. reverse Nigeria’s unfavourable balance
B. promote fair trade between Nigeria and other countries
C. counteract fraud in business deals with other nationals
D. ensure that imports into Nigeria are of the correct quality, value and quantity
Explanation

The Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme was designed to ensure the quality, value, and quantity of imports into Nigeria, preventing fraud and substandard goods.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following has powers to order withdrawal of a particular food item from circulation?

A. Standards Organisation of Nigeria
B. Federal High Courts in Nigeria
C. Food and Drugs Department of the Federal Ministry of Health
D. Local government health inspectors
Explanation

The Food and Drugs Department of the Federal Ministry of Health has the authority to regulate and withdraw unsafe food items from circulation.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following maxims negates the principle of collective bargaining?

A. Individual employees have weak bargaining base
B. Individual employees attain strength when they come together in a union
C. Only members of the union can benefit from agreements negotiated by the union
D. Collective bargaining covers the vast majority of employees, whether union members or not
Explanation

Collective bargaining relies on the strength of employees as a group, so the idea of individual employees having a weak bargaining base (A) negates its principle.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

NACCIMA stands for

A. Nigerian-American Centre for Culture, Industries, Mines and Arts
B. Nigerian Association for Culture, Civics, Industries, Minerals and Arts
C. National Agency for Culture, Civilization, Investments, Manufacturing and Agriculture
D. Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture
Explanation

NACCIMA stands for Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, a body representing business interests in Nigeria.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

For the establishment of a powerful consumers’ association in Nigeria to exist, there must be

A. financial and moral support from the public
B. honest and committed leadership
C. allocation of goods from the producers
D. freedom from external influence
Explanation

A strong consumers’ association requires public support, both financially and morally, to effectively advocate for consumer rights.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following is the most important business resource?

A. Money
B. Management
C. Materials
D. Manpower
Explanation

Manpower (human resources) is the most important business resource, as people drive operations, innovation, and growth.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The harmonious relationship among the various units in an organization is ensured through

A. coordination
B. motivation
C. planning
D. leadership
Explanation

Coordination ensures that all units in an organization work together harmoniously towards common goals.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The principle of span of control stipulates that

A. an employee should report to only one superior
B. managers must demand accountability from their subordinates
C. resources have to be economized within the various divisions
D. the number of employees reporting to one superior should be kept to a workable maximum
Explanation

Span of control refers to the number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise, which should be manageable.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following makes other functions of business its appendages?

A. Production
B. Marketing
C. Finance
D. Personnel
Explanation

Production is the core function of a business, as other functions like marketing and finance depend on the goods or services produced.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The use of computers in modern banking industry is a reflection of

A. competitive development
B. scientific development
C. economic development
D. technological development
Explanation

The use of computers reflects technological development, as it involves the adoption of technology to improve banking operations.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

When an oil exploring and mining company builds a health centre in one of the communities where it operates, such a company is

A. curry favour from local people
B. finding a way to spend excess profits
C. fulfilling part of its social responsibility
D. investing its idle funds
Explanation

Building a health centre is an example of corporate social responsibility, where the company contributes to the community’s welfare.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The West African Clearing House became legally operational on

A. 1st July, 1976
B. 25th June, 1975
C. 14th March, 1975
D. 3rd May, 1974
Explanation

The West African Clearing House became legally operational on 25th June, 1975, as per historical records.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

The Lake Chad Basin Commission was founded to enable member states

A. expand the volume of water in the Lake for fishing activity
B. increase navigational activities on the Lake
C. dam the Lake for electricity and agricultural purposes
D. co-ordinate their efforts in managing the use of the Lake’s resources
Explanation

The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established to coordinate the sustainable management of the Lake’s resources among member states.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2001

Which of the following is a primary purpose of advertising in commerce?

A. To increase production costs
B. To promote brand awareness and sales
C. To reduce market competition
D. To limit consumer choices
Explanation

Advertising aims to promote brand awareness and drive sales by informing and persuading consumers about products or services.

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