JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Economics 2009
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2009 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The basic economic problem faced by all societies is in the World

A. unemployment of resources
B. unequal distribution of income
C. scarcity of resources
D. overproduction of goods
Explanation

Scarcity of resources, relative to unlimited human wants, is the fundamental economic problem, requiring societies to make choices about resource allocation.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

An effective way of controlling inflation in a mixed economy is to

A. increase productivity
B. reduce income tax
C. ration available output
D. increase imports
Explanation

Increasing productivity enhances the supply of goods and services, reducing upward pressure on prices and helping to control inflation.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A consumer surplus measures the

A. benefits derived from consuming a cheap commodity
B. excess of total expenditure over total utility
C. difference between marginal utility and marginal cost
D. excess of marginal utility over price
Explanation

Consumer surplus is the difference between what consumers are willing to pay (based on marginal utility) and the actual price they pay for a good.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

If the demand for one commodity excludes another, it is said to be

A. complementary demand
B. competitive demand
C. composite demand
D. derived demand
Explanation

Competitive demand occurs when two goods are substitutes, and choosing one excludes the demand for the other, such as tea versus coffee.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The median of an odd number set of scores is the

A. middle value in the set
B. highest value in the set
C. arithmetic mean of the set
D. most frequently occurring score
Explanation

The median of an odd-numbered dataset is the middle value when the scores are arranged in ascending order.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

In the process of production, total output is at maximum when

A. MP=0
B. MP>0
C. AP=0
D. AP>0
Explanation

Total output reaches its maximum when the marginal product (MP) equals zero, as additional inputs no longer increase output.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Minimum price legislation by government will

A. reduce supply
B. increase supply
C. reduce demand and create surplus
D. increase demand and create scarcity
Explanation

A minimum price above equilibrium reduces quantity demanded while encouraging supply, leading to a surplus of the good.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The optimal range of output for a perfectly competitive firm is

A. AC is lowest
B. AVC is lowest
C. MC is rising
D. MC is falling
Explanation

In perfect competition, a firm maximizes profit where marginal cost (MC) is rising and equals marginal revenue, ensuring efficient output.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The short-run supply curve of a perfectly competitive firm is determined by its

A. average total cost
B. marginal cost above average variable cost
C. average fixed cost
D. total revenue
Explanation

The short-run supply curve for a perfectly competitive firm is the portion of its marginal cost curve above the average variable cost, as the firm will produce only if price covers variable costs.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A firm produces 50 units with a total cost of N1000. If the average total cost is N20, the total cost for 60 units, assuming the same ATC, is

A. N1000
B. N1200
C. N1500
D. N800
Explanation

Total cost = Average total cost × Quantity = N20 × 60 = N1200.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

An increase in the circulation of money without a corresponding increase in output will lead to

A. a rise in income levels
B. stagflation
C. inflation
D. deflation
Explanation

An increase in money supply without increased output raises aggregate demand, causing prices to rise and resulting in inflation.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

During the era of barter, money was generally in the form of

A. notes
B. precious metals
C. coins
D. commodities
Explanation

In the barter era, commodities like grain or livestock served as a medium of exchange, functioning as money.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A country achieves economic development when there is

A. an increase in military expenditure
B. an increase in capacity utilization
C. a sustained increase in per capita income
D. an even distribution of goods and services
Explanation

Economic development is marked by a sustained increase in per capita income, reflecting improved living standards and economic growth.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The import-substitution strategy of industrialization is to encourage

A. domestic production
B. large-scale production
C. importation
D. exportation
Explanation

Import-substitution industrialization promotes domestic production to replace imported goods, fostering local industries.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The main function of NNPC is to

A. oversee the development of the oil sector
B. develop the oil-producing area
C. fix the price of products
D. ensure regular supply of products
Explanation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is responsible for overseeing and regulating the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The record of a country’s transactions in international trade is her

A. capital account
B. balance of payments
C. current account
D. balance of trade
Explanation

The balance of payments records all international economic transactions, including trade, capital flows, and transfers, for a country.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

In modern economies, the Malthusian theory of population is ineffective because of

A. birth control measures
B. technical progress
C. government policies
D. natural disasters
Explanation

Birth control measures, such as contraceptives, limit population growth, countering Malthus’ prediction of population outstripping food supply.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The money paid per hour for work done is

A. salary
B. wage rate
C. cost
D. bonus
Explanation

The wage rate is the amount paid per hour for labor performed, typically for hourly workers.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The World Trade Organization is responsible for

A. stabilizing and harmonizing oil prices
B. ensuring equal participation of countries in trade
C. modernizing world economies
D. minimizing obstacles to international trade and investment
Explanation

The WTO promotes global trade by reducing barriers such as tariffs and subsidies, facilitating smoother international trade and investment.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

The deflationary gap in an economy occurs when

A. actual output exceeds potential output
B. aggregate demand equals aggregate supply
C. actual output is below potential output
D. government spending exceeds tax revenue
Explanation

A deflationary gap occurs when actual output falls below potential output, indicating insufficient aggregate demand in the economy.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A firm sells 200 units of a product at N50 per unit. When the price falls to N40, quantity demanded rises to 250 units. If the firm's marginal cost is constant at N30, what is the change in producer surplus?

A. N1000
B. N1500
C. N2000
D. N2500
Explanation

Producer surplus = (Price - Marginal cost) × Quantity. Initial PS = (N50 - N30) × 200 = N4000. New PS = (N40 - N30) × 250 = N2500. Change = N4000 - N2500 = N1000.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Nigeria’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence. Which policy would most effectively reduce the Dutch Disease effect in this context?

A. Increasing oil export quotas
B. Subsidizing manufacturing industries
C. Devaluing the naira
D. Raising interest rates
Explanation

Subsidizing manufacturing industries boosts non-oil sectors, countering Dutch Disease, which occurs when oil exports strengthen the currency and harm other industries.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A monopolist faces a demand curve P = 100 - 2Q and a total cost function TC = 50 + 10Q. To maximize profit, how many units should the monopolist produce?

A. 15
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30
Explanation

Profit maximization occurs where MR = MC. Demand: P = 100 - 2Q, TR = 100Q - 2Q², MR = 100 - 4Q. TC = 50 + 10Q, MC = 10. Set MR = MC: 100 - 4Q = 10, Q = 22.5. Closest option is 20.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

If the Central Bank of Nigeria increases the cash reserve ratio from 20% to 25%, and the total deposits in the banking system are N10 trillion, by how much will the money supply potentially contract?

A. N1250 billion
B. N2000 billion
C. N2500 billion
D. N5000 billion
Explanation

Money multiplier = 1 / Reserve ratio. Initial multiplier = 1 / 0.2 = 5, new multiplier = 1 / 0.25 = 4. Money supply change = Deposits × (New multiplier - Old multiplier) = N10 trillion × (4 - 5) = -N1250 billion.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Two firms in an oligopoly can choose to advertise (A) or not (N). Payoffs (in millions) are: (A,A) = (50,50), (A,N) = (80,20), (N,A) = (20,80), (N,N) = (60,60). What is the Nash equilibrium?

A. Both advertise
B. Both do not advertise
C. Firm 1 advertises, Firm 2 does not
D. No Nash equilibrium exists
Explanation

In Nash equilibrium, no firm benefits by unilaterally changing strategy. For (A,A), each firm gets 50; switching to N yields 20. Other pairs allow at least one firm to improve payoff. Thus, both advertising is the equilibrium.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A firm’s total cost function is TC = 100 + 5Q + 0.5Q². If the firm produces 10 units, what is the marginal cost at this output level?

A. N10
B. N15
C. N20
D. N25
Explanation

Marginal cost = dTC/dQ = 5 + Q. At Q = 10, MC = 5 + 10 = N15.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

If Nigeria’s population grows at 2.5% annually while GDP grows at 4%, what is the approximate annual growth rate of per capita GDP?

A. 1.5%
B. 2.0%
C. 2.5%
D. 3.0%
Explanation

Per capita GDP growth ≈ GDP growth - Population growth = 4% - 2.5% = 1.5%.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A consumer has a utility function U = X^0.5 * Y^0.5, with prices Px = N4, Py = N9, and income M = N360. How many units of good X will the consumer purchase to maximize utility?

A. 30
B. 45
C. 60
D. 90
Explanation

For U = X^0.5 * Y^0.5, MRS = (Y/X)^0.5 = Py/Px = 9/4, so Y = 2.25X. Budget: 4X + 9Y = 360. Substitute: 4X + 9(2.25X) = 360, 24.25X = 360, X ≈ 45.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Which strategy would most effectively promote backward linkage in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector?

A. Exporting raw materials
B. Importing capital goods
C. Investing in local raw material processing
D. Reducing corporate taxes
Explanation

Investing in local raw material processing creates demand for upstream industries, fostering backward linkages in the manufacturing sector.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A factory’s pollution reduces fishermen’s output by N500,000 annually. If the factory’s private cost is N2 million and social cost is N3 million, what is the optimal Pigovian tax to internalize the externality?

A. N500,000
B. N1,000,000
C. N1,500,000
D. N2,000,000
Explanation

Pigovian tax = Social cost - Private cost = N3 million - N2 million = N1 million, internalizing the external cost of pollution.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

If Nigeria adopts a fixed exchange rate regime and the naira is overvalued by 10%, what is the likely impact on the balance of payments?

A. Surplus due to increased exports
B. Deficit due to increased imports
C. No effect
D. Surplus due to capital inflows
Explanation

An overvalued naira makes imports cheaper and exports costlier, increasing imports and causing a balance of payments deficit.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces a high dependency ratio. Which policy would most effectively increase labor productivity in this context?

A. Subsidizing fertilizer imports
B. Promoting mechanized farming
C. Increasing rural credit access
D. Expanding irrigation projects
Explanation

Mechanized farming increases output per worker, reducing reliance on labor and addressing the high dependency ratio.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

If Nigeria’s inflation rate is 15% and the nominal interest rate is 20%, what is the real interest rate, assuming Fisher’s effect?

A. 4.35%
B. 5%
C. 6.25%
D. 7.5%
Explanation

Real interest rate = Nominal rate - Inflation rate = 20% - 15% = 5%.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

A public good in Nigeria, such as street lighting, is characterized by

A. excludability and rivalry
B. non-excludability and non-rivalry
C. excludability and non-rivalry
D. non-excludability and rivalry
Explanation

Street lighting is non-excludable (no one can be prevented from using it) and non-rivalrous (one person’s use does not reduce others’ use), defining it as a public good.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Nigeria receives $1 billion in foreign aid tied to infrastructure projects. If the marginal propensity to import is 0.2, what is the net increase in domestic aggregate demand?

A. $600 million
B. $800 million
C. $900 million
D. $1000 million
Explanation

Net increase = Aid × (1 - Marginal propensity to import) = $1 billion × (1 - 0.2) = $800 million.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

In Nigeria, if the labor force is 80 million, 60 million are employed, and 10 million are frictionally unemployed, what is the unemployment rate?

A. 12.5%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Explanation

Total unemployed = Labor force - Employed = 80 million - 60 million = 20 million. Unemployment rate = (20 million / 80 million) × 100 = 25%.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

To reduce multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, which policy targets both income and non-income dimensions effectively?

A. Increasing minimum wage
B. Expanding access to education and healthcare
C. Subsidizing fuel prices
D. Promoting foreign direct investment
Explanation

Expanding access to education and healthcare addresses non-income dimensions like health and education, while also supporting income growth, tackling multidimensional poverty.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Nigeria’s current account shows exports of N2 trillion, imports of N2.5 trillion, net income of -N200 billion, and net transfers of N300 billion. What is the current account balance?

A. -N400 billion
B. -N300 billion
C. -N200 billion
D. -N100 billion
Explanation

Current account balance = Exports - Imports + Net income + Net transfers = N2 trillion - N2.5 trillion - N0.2 trillion + N0.3 trillion = -N0.4 trillion = -N400 billion.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

Nigeria’s power sector reform aims to increase electricity access. Which policy would most effectively reduce the cost of power generation for rural areas?

A. Subsidizing diesel generators
B. Investing in off-grid solar systems
C. Expanding coal plants
D. Increasing tariffs
Explanation

Off-grid solar systems provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for rural areas, reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2009

To finance a budget deficit, the Nigerian government can most effectively use

A. foreign direct investment
B. borrowing from domestic banks
C. increasing export tariffs
D. subsidizing local industries
Explanation

Borrowing from domestic banks provides immediate funds to finance a budget deficit, directly addressing government expenditure needs.

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