WAEC Geography 2023 Theory — Question 6

Model answer

(a) On a sketch map of Nigeria: River Benue should be located flowing from the northeast through Makurdi to join River Niger; River Sokoto should be located and marked in the northwest; the town of Makurdi should be marked at the confluence area on River Benue. (b) Characteristics of rivers in Nigeria: seasonal fluctuation in volume; presence of rapids and waterfalls; short river courses; high speed/swift flowing; presence of debris; presence of water weeds, e.g. water hyacinth; specific direction of flow; shallowness; colour changes with season; valleys are narrow at the upper course. (c) Ways rivers are useful in Nigeria: medium of transportation/navigation; source of water for agricultural purposes, e.g. irrigation, livestock watering; source of food, e.g. fish, crab, periwinkle; source of water for domestic use, e.g. washing, cooking, drinking; source of water for industrial use; site for tourist attraction, e.g. confluence points at Lokoja, Gurara Waterfall; generation of hydro-electric power, e.g. Kainji, Shiroro; employment generation, e.g. technicians, drivers, food vendors, fishermen; serves as natural boundaries, e.g. between states.