What are the water resources in Nigeria?

The water involved in these management processes is evident in the country’s abundant natural water resources. rainfall, large surface bodies of water-rivers, streams and lakes, as well as in abundant reser- voirs of underground water whose extent and distribution have not been fully assessed.

What are the resources of surface water?

Surface Water Resources There are four major sources of surface water. These are rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks. In the country, there are about 10,360 rivers and their tributaries longer than 1.6 km each.

What are the 2 main sources of water in Nigeria?

Nigeria has extensive surface water resources, including the perennial Niger and Benue rivers and their tributaries. Groundwater is widely used for domestic, agricultural and industrial supplies. Most rural areas are dependent on groundwater, and a number of towns and cities.

What is the water situation in Nigeria?

Although about 70 per cent of Nigerians are reported to have access to a basic water services, more than half of these water sources are contaminated. And although 73 per cent of the country’s population have access to a water source, only nine litres of water on average is available to a Nigerian daily.

Which water body is closest to Nigeria?

Nigeria’s coastline runs for 530 miles between its international borders with Benin to the west and Cameroon to the south. The country’s territorial rights extend more than 200 nautical miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

What are the major bodies of water in Nigeria?

The major drainage areas in Nigeria are the Niger-Benue basin, the Lake Chad basin, and the Gulf of Guinea basin. The Niger River, for which the country is named, and the Benue, its largest tributary, are the principal rivers.

What is surface water give two examples?

Oceans, streams, lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water found on the Earth’s surface are considered surface water. Atmospheric water also exists. This includes water vapor in the air, such as clouds. In the image below, the ditch, the sea, and the stream are all examples of surface water.

Can you drink the water in Nigeria?

Is the tap water in Nigeria safe to drink? Generally no. Close to two thirds of households had access to safe or improved water sources, such as piped water, boreholes and collected rainwater. But only 3.7-19% of Nigeria’s population have access to safe drinking water.

Is water free in Nigeria?

But this isn’t the case. In fact, only 19% of Nigeria’s population has access to safe drinking water. Although 67% of people have basic water supply, access is uneven. About 80% of wealthy Nigerians have access to at least a basic water supply, in comparison to only 48% of poor Nigerians.

What are the five water bodies in Nigeria?

Deltas and estuaries. i) Niger delta. 617,000. Scott (1966) ii) Cross River estuary. 95,000. (1) iii) Imo and Qua Iboe estuary. 36,000. ENPLAN (1974)

How is Nigeria so rich in water resources?

A man sells bottled water in Lagos Nigeria, a country with abundant water resources but little to drink. Reuters/Akintunde Akinleye Nigeria is so rich in water resources that many of its 36 states are named after rivers. In addition to surface water found in nearly every part of the country, there’s also plenty stored in the ground.

Is the water supply in Nigeria safe to drink?

Nigeria is a country with abundant water resources; surface water in forms of rivers and creeks are found in almost every area of the country. This is asides groundwater which is also found in excess and higher than in many other sub-Saharan countries. You would expect that a country as this would enjoy unlimited access to safe and drinkable water.

Why is there a shortage of water in Nigeria?

Nigeria suffers from “economic water scarcity” – the inability to properly manage, use and protect water resources for socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability. Nigeria aims to provide water that meets the standards set out by the World Health Organisation.

How is pollution affecting the environment in Nigeria?

Pollution has led to high levels of toxic chemicals such as metals and pesticides being reported in Nigeria’s water resources. Underground water is also being polluted through seepage from waste dump sites. This is a major health risk. Poor water quality affects people, the economy and the environment.