List of rivers of Nigeria facts for kids
Nigeria is a country in West Africa. It has many important rivers that flow through its land. These rivers are like natural highways. They help with travel, farming, and providing water for people and animals. This article will tell you about some of Nigeria's main rivers. We will look at where they start and where they end up.
Contents
Why Rivers are Important in Nigeria
Rivers play a huge role in Nigeria. They are vital for many reasons.
Water for Life
Rivers provide fresh water. People use this water for drinking. They also use it for washing and cooking. Animals drink from the rivers too.
Farming and Food
Many farmers in Nigeria depend on rivers. The water helps their crops grow. This means more food for everyone. Rivers also make the soil fertile.
Travel and Trade
In the past, rivers were the main way to travel. People used boats to move goods. Even today, some communities use rivers for transport. They help connect different parts of the country.
Power and Energy
Some rivers are used to make electricity. This happens at special dams. The moving water spins turbines. This creates clean energy for homes and businesses.
Rivers Flowing into the Atlantic Ocean
Most of Nigeria's rivers flow towards the Atlantic Ocean. This is a very large ocean. These rivers form a big network. They carry water from inland areas to the sea.
The Mighty Niger River
The Niger River is the longest river in West Africa. It is also the most important river in Nigeria. It flows through many countries. In Nigeria, it splits into several smaller rivers. These are called distributaries. They form a wide delta. This delta is rich in oil and gas.
Niger River's Main Branches
- Escravos River (a branch that flows to the sea)
- Forcados River (another branch to the sea)
- Chanomi Creek (a smaller waterway)
- Nun River (a major branch)
- New Calabar River (a branch near the city of Calabar)
Rivers Joining the Niger
Many rivers join the Niger River. These are called tributaries. They add more water to the main river.
The Benue River
The Benue River is a very large tributary. It joins the Niger River in Lokoja. This meeting point is very famous. The Benue River also has many rivers joining it.
- Okwa River
- Mada River
- Katsina Ala River
- Menchum River
- Ankwe River
- Donga River
- Bantaji River (also known as Suntai River)
- Wase River
- Taraba River
- Kam River
- Pai River
- Gongola River
- Hawal River
- Faro River
Other Important Niger Tributaries
- Gurara River
- Kaduna River
- Mariga River
- Tubo River
- Galma River (Nigeria)
- Moshi River
- Teshi River
- Oli River
- Malendo River
- Sokoto River
- Ka River
- Zamfara River
- Gaminda River
- Rima River
- Goulbi de Maradi River
- Gagere River
- Bunsuru River
Other Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic
Besides the Niger, many other rivers flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ouémé River
- Okpara River
- Ogun River
- Oyan River]
- Ofiki River
- Oyan River]
- Ona River (also called Awna River)
- Ogunpa River
- Osun River
- Erinle River
- Otin River
- Oba River
- Omi Osun
- Erinle River
- Benin River
- Osse River
- Bonny River
- Imo River
- Aba River
- Otamiri River
- Kwa Ibo River
- Cross River
- Akwayafe River
- Great Kwa River
- Calabar River
- Asu River
- Aboine River
- Ekulu River
- Aboine River
- Anyim River
Rivers Flowing into Lake Chad
Some rivers in Nigeria do not flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, they flow into Lake Chad. Lake Chad is a large, shallow lake. It is located in the Sahel region of Africa. It is shared by several countries.
The Yobe River System
The Yobe River is a major river that flows into Lake Chad. It is formed by the joining of several other rivers.
- Komadugu Gana River
- Jama'are River (also known as Bunga River)
- Katagum River
- Hadejia River
- Chalawa River
- Kano River
- Watari River
- Chalawa River
Other Rivers to Lake Chad
- Ngadda River
- Yedseram River
Nigeria's rivers are amazing natural features. They support life and help the country grow. They are truly the lifeblood of the nation.
