Question 4
(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name:
(i) Rivers Niger and Benue;
(ii) Kanji Dam;
(iii) Abuja.
(b) Explain three factors which favour the development of hydro- electric power projects in Nigeria.
(c) State three economic benefits of hydro- electric power projects.
This question was popular among the candidates. However, they did not perform well in the (a) component of the question that involved map work. They performed better in the (c) component of the question. A few candidates performed poorly in the (b) component of the question.
Expected answers for factors which favour development of hydro-electric power projects in Nigeria are:
- presence of rapids and waterfalls/steep gradient
- abundance of rainfall
- high volume of water in rivers
- adequate high temperature against freezing
- high demand/ market for electricity
- strong bedrock for dam sites
- availability of capital
- availability of skilled and unskilled labour
The Economic benefits of the hydro-electric power projects are:
- promotion of irrigation
- generation of electricity for industrial use
- generation of electricity for domestic use
- water supply for industrial use
- water for domestic use
- tourist attraction
- revenue generation
- flood control
- income to workers
- promotion of aquatic research
- improved inland navigation
- development and growth of new towns
- provision of food
- stimulates industrial development
- employment
- training of local technicians