Theory question 105
Nigeria: Physical Setting(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name: (i) the Western Highlands; (ii) Rivers Niger and Benue; (iii) the Kainji Lake; (iv) Lagos. (b) Highlight any three characteristics of rivers in Nigeria. (c) State any two benefits of Kainji Lake to Nigeria.
Show the model answer
(a) Map: Western Highlands in the south-west (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara); Niger entering from the north-west, through Kainji, to Lokoja and the delta; Benue entering from Cameroon in the east and joining at Lokoja; Kainji Lake on the Niger in Niger/Kwara State; Lagos on the south-west coast.
(b) Seasonal regime (high water in the rainy season, low in the dry season); many rise in the central highlands and flow outwards (radial pattern) to the Niger-Benue system, Lake Chad or the sea; rapids and waterfalls in their upper courses; sandbars and silting at their mouths; many short coastal rivers; the Niger forms a large delta.
(c) Hydro-electric power; fishing; irrigation; water transport; flood control; tourism (Kainji Lake National Park); water supply.
Place Kainji on the Niger, not the Benue.