(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria and on it show and name (i) the Rivers Niger, Benue, Sokoto, Cross and Ogun (ii) one natural lake and one artificial lake...

Answer Details

(a) Map work

As shown on the outline map above, the following features should be correctly located and named:

• River Niger: enters Nigeria from the north-west, flows south-eastwards and then southwards to the Niger Delta.
• River Benue: flows from the east and joins the River Niger at Lokoja.
• River Sokoto: located in north-western Nigeria and flows generally south-eastwards to join the River Niger system.
• River Cross: located in the south-east, flowing southwards through Cross River State into the Atlantic Ocean.
• River Ogun: located in south-western Nigeria and flows southwards towards Lagos Lagoon and the Atlantic coast.
• Natural lake: Lake Chad, in the extreme north-east of Nigeria.
• Artificial lake: Kainji Lake, on the River Niger in west-central Nigeria.
• Jos Plateau: in the north-central part of Nigeria, mainly around Plateau State.
• Udi Hills: in south-eastern Nigeria, around Enugu.
• Western Highlands: in the south-western part of Nigeria.
• Obudu Plateau: in the eastern highlands of Cross River State, close to the Cameroon border.
• Northern lowland region: the Chad Basin or the lowland around Lake Chad.
• Southern lowland region: the Niger Delta or coastal lowland.

(b) Importance of the River Niger to the economy of Nigeria

• It provides water for irrigation, especially for dry-season farming along its flood plains.
• It is used for the generation of hydro-electric power, particularly at Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro dams.
• It serves as an important water transport route for people and goods, especially in navigable sections.
• It supports fishing and provides employment and income for fishermen, fish processors and traders.
• It supplies water for domestic uses such as drinking, washing and cooking after treatment.
• It provides water for industries, including manufacturing, food processing and other commercial activities.
• Its flood plains have fertile alluvial soils that encourage the cultivation of crops such as rice, vegetables and sugar cane.
• It creates employment in dam construction, irrigation schemes, transport services, tourism and related commercial activities.
• It has tourism and recreational value, attracting visitors to river banks, dams and lakes such as Kainji Lake.