(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name: (i) Rivers Niger and Benue (ii) Kanji Dam (iii) Abuja (b) Explain three factors which favour th...

Answer Details

(a) Sketch map of Nigeria

The sketch map below shows the outline of Nigeria with the required features named: the River Niger entering from the north-west and the River Benue entering from the north-east, meeting at their confluence at Lokoja before flowing south to the Niger Delta; the Kainji Dam on the River Niger in the north-west; and Abuja, the Federal Capital, near the centre of the country.

(b) Three factors which favour the development of hydro-electric power (HEP) projects in Nigeria

1. Presence of rapids, waterfalls and a steep gradient. Along the River Niger at sites such as Kainji and Jebba, and along tributaries near Shiroro on the Kaduna River, the land drops sharply. This provides a good \(head\) of water so that fast-falling water can spin the turbines with force.
2. Large and permanent volume of water in the rivers, fed by abundant rainfall. The Niger, the Benue and their tributaries carry a high, reliable volume of water all year round because the country receives heavy seasonal rainfall. A steady supply of water is needed to keep the turbines running continuously.
3. Availability of strong bedrock at suitable dam sites. Narrow valleys with firm, impermeable rock foundations (as at Kainji) allow engineers to build strong dams that can hold back a large reservoir safely without water leaking through the base.

(Other favourable factors include the high demand and market for electricity from a large population and growing industries, and the availability of capital and skilled labour for construction.)

(c) Three economic benefits of hydro-electric power projects

1. Generation of cheap electricity for industrial use, which promotes industrialisation and the growth of new towns.
2. Supply of electricity for domestic use, improving the standard of living in homes and towns.
3. Provision of water for irrigation from the reservoir, boosting agricultural production and food supply. (Further benefits include revenue generation, flood control, employment of workers, fishing and tourism at the reservoir, and improved inland navigation.)