(a) On an outline map of Nigeria, show and name: (i) Rivers Kaduna, Niger and Cross; (ii) two important dams; (iii) one delta coast; (iv) one inland lake. (...

Answer Details

(a) Map work

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

• River Niger: Nigeria’s main river, flowing generally from the north-west through central Nigeria and southwards to form the Niger Delta.
• River Kaduna: a major tributary of River Niger, flowing through Kaduna State and joining the Niger at Pategi area.
• River Cross: located in south-eastern Nigeria, flowing southwards through Cross River State into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Kainji Dam: on River Niger in north-western/central Nigeria, near Kainji.
• Jebba Dam: on River Niger, downstream of Kainji Dam near Jebba. Shiroro Dam may also be accepted as an alternative important dam.
• Niger Delta coast: the delta coast in southern Nigeria where River Niger divides into distributaries before entering the Atlantic Ocean.
• Lake Chad: an inland lake situated in the north-eastern corner of Nigeria, on the border with Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

(b) Three contributions of rivers to the development of Nigeria

1. Hydroelectric power generation: Rivers provide water for dams such as Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro, which generate electricity for homes, industries and towns.
2. Irrigation: River water is used to irrigate farms, especially in the dry northern parts of Nigeria, making dry-season farming possible.
3. Fishing and trade: Rivers provide fish for food, employment and commercial activities. Fishing settlements and fish markets develop along river valleys.

Other valid contributions include inland water transport, domestic water supply, industrial water supply, recreation and tourism, and the development of river basin authorities.

(c) Three problems encountered in the utilization of Nigerian rivers

1. Seasonal shallowness and silting: During the dry season, water levels fall and sand or silt may block channels, making navigation and water transport difficult.
2. Rapids and waterfalls: Many rivers have rapids, falls and rocky channels, particularly in their upper courses. These obstruct smooth navigation by boats and ships.
3. Pollution: Domestic waste, industrial effluents, oil spills and farm chemicals contaminate river water, reducing its suitability for drinking, fishing and other uses.

Other acceptable problems are narrow river channels, growth of water weeds, flooding, short river courses and silting at river mouths.