List of 5 Major Rivers In Nigeria

Rivers are a natural gift to man. And just like every other gift given by nature, the usefulness of rivers cannot be exaggerated.

Unarguably, it can be said that rivers are the cornerstones of every economy; they are indispensable to transportation, agriculture, tourism and sources of natural minerals.

However, the importance of rivers goes beyond economic value in Nigeria. For they’re being revered by the indigenous people, credited with being the reason why they exist.

In this article, we shall discuss 5 major rivers in Nigeria

1. RIVER NIGER

River Niger is the most major river in Nigeria which are also known as the largest river in West Africa. It shares a border with the Republic of Benin and settles in Nigeria.

It covers a distance of 4,100 kilometres, it is believed to be the longest river in both West Africa and Nigeria.

It is also the third-longest river in Africa behind the River Nile and River Congo. Its source is the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea.

However, it is important to note that Nigeria and Niger got their names from River Niger.

2. RIVER BENUE

River Benue is the second largest river in Nigeria. The river takes its origin from the Adamawa, Plateau as well as Northern Cameroon.

However, it then moves towards the western part into Nigeria via Garoua Community and also Lagdo

Approximately covering a distance of 1400 kilometres. River Benue was formally known as Chadda River or Tchadda.

3. ANAMBRA RIVER

The Anambra River, covering a distance of 210 kilometres, is the most important River Niger tributary below the confluence town of Lokoja.

Anambra river was first called Anam Branch in the late 1800s before it was later changed to the Anambra river.

The Anambra river covers the landmass of the state with people living beside the river.

Moreover, the river flows toward the River Niger with approximately 210 kilometres.

It also flows into Niger Delta and the Atlantic Ocean

4. KADUNA RIVER

The Kaduna River originates from the Jos Plateau in Plateau State. It is named after crocodiles that lived in the river, as Kaduna literally means “Crocodiles” in the native Hausa language spoken in the region.

The river is a tributary of the Niger River and flows for 550 kilometres until it meets the Niger state.

5. OSUN RIVER

This is another Major Rivers in Nigeria that flow in Osun State. However, the Osun River streams Southwards with basic Yorubaland in South West into the Lagos lagoon as well as the Atlantic Gulf of Guinea

It is thought that Osun is the siren of fertility in Yorubaland.

Historical Yoruba tale has it that Osun was a Myth who became moving water after a stressful occasion either annoyed or scared