You’re probably familiar with some of the more well-known dams in Nigeria, like the Kainji Dam or Shiroro Dam. But how many dams are actually in Nigeria? Nigeria has over 300 dams of varying sizes and purposes located across the country. Some provide electricity, some help with irrigation, and others help control flooding.
In this article, we’ll walk through a comprehensive list of all the major and minor dams in Nigeria. You’ll learn where each dam is located, what river it dams, the purpose it serves, and some quick facts. Whether you’re an engineer interested in Nigeria’s infrastructure or just a curious mind looking to learn, you’ll find this complete rundown of dams in Nigeria fascinating! Let’s dive in.
What is a Dam?
A dam is a barrier constructed across a river to store water or control its flow. Dams are built for a variety of purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply.
Types of Dams
There are several types of dams used for different purposes:
- Hydroelectric dams: Produce electricity by harnessing the energy from flowing rivers. Examples in Nigeria include Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba dams.
- Irrigation dams: Provide water for agricultural irrigation and crop cultivation. Examples are Goronyo and Bakolori dams.
- Water supply dams: Impound water for municipal water supply and domestic use. Examples are Asejire reservoir and Eleyele dam which supply Ibadan city.
- Flood control dams: Control flooding by storing excess water during the rainy season and releasing it during the dry season. Examples are Tiga and Challawa Gorge dams.
- Multipurpose Dams: Some of the larger dams in Nigeria serve multiple purposes. For example, the Dadin Kowa Dam provides hydroelectric power, water supply for Gombe and Yola, and irrigation in the region. The Kiri Dam generates hydroelectricity, supplies water for Shell Petroleum, and provides irrigation for local farmers
Benefits of Dams
Dams provide tremendous benefits to society including:
- Reliable water supply for homes, businesses, and agricultural irrigation.
- Hydroelectric power generation.
- Flood control by storing excess water during the rainy season.
- Facilitate inland water transportation. The reservoirs created by dams enable movement of people and goods.
- Recreational activities like boating, fishing, and tourism. The scenic lakes and reservoirs attract visitors.
- Job creation and economic development. Dams spur growth of industries and commercial activities around them.
In summary, dams play a crucial role in water resources management, energy production, agriculture, and economic development in Nigeria. With over 300 dams, Nigeria has significant potential to harness the benefits of dams for national growth and progress.
Dams In Nigeria And Their Location
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, relies heavily on dams and reservoirs for water supply, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. There are numerous dams located across Nigeria, with many along the major rivers like Niger and Benue.
Nigeria’s network of dams and reservoirs has been crucial for economic growth and development. By understanding the locations and purposes of Nigeria’s major dams, one can gain insight into how water resources have been harnessed to provide electricity, water, and food for Nigeria’s large population.
Obudu Dam (Cross River State)
Obudu Dam is located in Obudu local government area, Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria. The dam is located on the Obudu crystalline basement plateau, a low-lying undulating area with low seismic activity. The dam was built in 1999 for agricultural irrigation, fishing, recreational, and tourism purposes.
Obudu Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam with a height of 15 meters and a crest length of 425 meters. The reservoir has a capacity of 4.2 million cubic meters of water at full supply level.
The dam has allowed the expansion of irrigated farmland in the area, with many local farmers now able to grow two crops per year. Common crops include yams, plantains, cassava, maize, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables. The additional harvests have improved food security and the local economy. The reservoir is also used for fishing and recreation, with opportunities for swimming, boating and other watersports.
Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station (Taraba State)
Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Taraba State, is one of the largest dams in Nigeria. The power station is located in Kakara village, Taraba State, Nigeria. This is near Gembu and the Cameroonian border. The power station, located across the Donga River, consists of four dams and two underground power buildings. Gembu is located around 413 kilometers (257 miles) southeast of Wukari, the nearest big town in Taraba State.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station is a 3,050 MW hydroelectric power plant under construction in Nigeria. When completed, it will be the country’s largest power generation facility and one of Africa’s largest hydroelectric power stations. It is expected to be commissioned in 2030. The main Mambilla Dam, built in 1982, is a huge roller-compacted concrete dam and reservoir located 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level. Water is transferred from the reservoir to the western side of the plateau by four 33-kilometer (21-mile) hydraulic tunnels, which are intercepted by four smaller dams: Nya, Sum Sum, Nghu, and Api Weir.
Beyond these dams, the tunnels lead to a 1,000-meter (3,300-foot) drop shaft that descends through the rock to a gigantic subterranean power station with a generating capacity of 3,050 megawatts (4,090,000 horsepower). After passing through a brief tunnel, the water exits the base of the plateau and pours into a tributary river that rejoins the Donga River downstream from the plateau.
The Mambilla Dam showcases Nigeria’s drive towards building critical infrastructure for power supply, economic growth and sustainable development.
Kainji Dam (Niger State)
The Kainji Dam, also known as the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Station, is one of the earliest hydroelectric power stations built in Nigeria. Construction began in 1964 and was completed in 1968, Impregilo (an Italian partnership of civil engineering contractors) built the dam according to designs by Joint Consultants, Balfour Beatty, and Nedec. The dam was built on the Niger River in Niger State, in the central part of Nigeria. The overall cost was estimated to be US$209 million (equal to around US$1.4 billion), with one-quarter of that amount going to resettle residents displaced by the dam’s construction and its reservoir, Kainji Lake.
The main purpose of the Kainji Dam was to generate hydroelectric power for the country. At the time of its completion, the installed generating capacity of the dam was 960 megawatts (1,290,000 hp), which was the highest in Africa. The dam brought electricity to many parts of Nigeria for the first time and spurred industrial development. Only eight of its twelve turbines have been installed, decreasing the total power to 760 megawatts (1,020,000 hp). The dam provides electricity to all of Nigeria’s big cities. A portion of the electricity is sold to the neighboring country of Niger.
Kainji Dam is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long, including its saddle dam, which closes off a tributary valley. The principal part of the outflow of the Niger is 550 meters (1,800 feet). The majority of the structure is composed of earth, while the central section, which houses the hydroelectric turbines, was built from concrete. This section is 65 metres (213 feet) tall. The Kanji Dam is one of the world’s longest dams. The dam features a single lock chamber capable of raising barges 49 meters (161 feet).
Today, the Kainji Dam remains an important source of power for Nigeria, the reservoir created by the dam, Lake Kainji, is also an important transportation link between northern and southern Nigeria. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and other recreational activities. Kainji Lake, is approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) long and 30 kilometers (19 miles) wide at its widest point. It supports irrigation and a local fishing economy. In 1999, the haphazard activation of floodgates resulted in local flooding of about 60 communities.
Jebba Dam (Niger State)
The Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station is one of the earliest dams built in Nigeria. The Jebba Power Station is a hydroelectric power facility located on the Niger River in Nigeria. It has a power generation capacity of 578.4 megawatts, which is enough to power around 364,000 households. The plant was commissioned on April 13, 1985, but commercial energy production began in 1983.
The power plant is owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, it has six generation turbines, each having a rated capacity of 96.4 megawatts, for a total installed output of 578.4 megawatts. Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, an independent power company, holds the concession agreement for operating and maintaining this power station. Mainstream Energy also has a concession for the 760 megawatt Kainji Hydroelectric Power Station, which is around 100 kilometers (62 miles) upstream of Jebba Power Station.
The Jebba Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam, meaning it is made of rock and earth materials. It stands at 71.917 metres (236 ft) above mean sea level and has a crest length of about 2,000m. The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Jebba, has a surface area of about 550 square kilometers and provides irrigation to over 140,000 hectares of agricultural land. The lake is also used for fishing and transportation between towns along the Niger River.
The construction of Jebba Dam led to the resettlement of many local communities. While it improved infrastructure and access to electricity in the region, the dam also had some negative environmental and social impacts. The flooding of land displaced people and altered local ecosystems. However, its hydroelectric power and irrigation potential have supported economic growth and development in central Nigeria.
Bakolori Dam (Sokoto State)
The Bakolori Dam, located in the Sokoto State of northwestern Nigeria, is one of the oldest dams in the country. Construction began in 1974 and was completed in 1978, but the reservoir was filled by 1981. The main purpose of the dam was to provide irrigation for agricultural use, as well as supply hydroelectric power. The Bakolori Dam is a significant reservoir on the Sokoto River, a tributary of the Rima River, which flows into the Niger River. The dam’s water supports the Bakolori Irrigation Project.The dam has a capacity of 450 million cubic meters, with an 8,000-hectare reservoir that extends 19 kilometers (12 miles) upstream.
The dam is a 5.5-kilometer (3-mile) earth-fill embankment with a central concrete structure 360 meters long and 48 meters high, which houses a small 3 megawatt hydroelectric power plant. The irrigation pipes and canals were not completed until 1983, and they only covered 23,000 hectares, rather than the 30,000 hectares originally anticipated. Sprinklers brought water to 15,000 hectares, while gravity supplied water to 8,000 hectares. Sprinklers are expensive, but when properly maintained, they use water more efficiently. Following cost overruns, the irrigation project became one of the most expensive per acre in the world.
While the Bakolori Dam has brought many benefits, its construction also had some negative impacts. The Dam construction displaced many peasant farmers, leaving them without alternate land or financial recompense. Many people died in protests against their loss of livelihood. The creation of the reservoir also led to the loss of agricultural land and pastures. There have been issues with aquatic weeds clogging the reservoir and irrigation channels, reducing their effectiveness. Sediment buildup behind the dam is another concern, potentially limiting its useful life if not properly managed. The project has become recognized as a prime example of development failure.
Asejire Reservoir (Oyo State)
The Asejire Reservoir is one of the earliest dams built in Nigeria. The Asejire Reservoir is located in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria, on the Osun River, about 30 kilometers east of Ibadan. The reservoir was developed during the late 1960s. Farming is completely prohibited in the catchment region, and trees have been planted along the banks, so erosion and silting are not problems. With a substantial water source, the reservoir remains filled all year. The reservoir provides raw water to Ibadan’s Asejire and Osegere water treatment plants. The water supply project was completed in 1972 and has a capacity of approximately 80 million liters per day, with 80% used for domestic reasons.
Today, the Asejire Reservoir faces various challenges like most of Nigeria’s aging dams. Lack of maintenance has allowed the build-up of silt and sediments, reducing the dam’s storage volume and threatening its structural integrity. Deforestation and erosion plague the surrounding area. There have also been calls to improve compensation for displaced communities. However, the Asejire dam remains an important source of water and power for its region. With improvements in management and sustainability practices, this Nigerian landmark can continue serving communities for decades to come.
Shiroro Dam (Niger State)
The Shiroro Dam, located in Niger State, Nigeria, was commissioned in 1990. It is one of the largest hydroelectric power generating dams in Nigeria with an installed capacity of 600 MW (800,000 horsepower), enough to power more than 404,000 homes. The dam was built along Kaduna River and took 11 years to construct at a cost of over $650 million.
The main purpose of the Shiroro Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It has four turbine generators that produce electricity for most of northwestern Nigeria. The dam has created a reservoir that provides water for irrigation, fishing, and other activities. It has significantly boosted the economy of Niger State.
The Shiroro Dam is a rock fill embankment dam, meaning that it is made of compacted rocks and earth. The reservoir has a surface area of about 320 km 2 , a maximum length of 32 m and a total storage capacity of 7 billion m 3, making it one of the highest dams in Nigeria. According to reports, the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant in Niger State received a N8.5 billion investment boost in 2019 when its operators, North South Power Company Limited (NSP), issued a Green Bond to maximize its output.
Challawa Gorge Dam (Kano State)
The Challawa Gorge Dam is located in the Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State in Nigeria’s Northwest, approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Kano. It is a large reservoir on the Challawa River, a tributary of the Kano River, which is the primary tributary of the Hadejia River. The Kano State Government’s Water Resources and Engineering Construction Agency initiated the Challawa Gorge reservoir project, which was ultimately transferred to the Federal Government for funding. The Dam is owned and administered by the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, a federal agency.
Julius Berger Nigeria built the dam from 1990 to 1992 using earth fill construction. It is 42 meters high and 7.8 kilometers long. The dam’s total storage capacity is 930,000,000 m3, including 904,000,000 m3 of active storage. The direct catchment area measures 3857 km2.
Dadin Kowa Dam (Gombe State)
The Dadin Kowa Dam is located in the Yamaltu Deba local government area of Gombe State, in northeastern Nigeria. Dadin Kowa is 41.6 kilometers from the Gombe metropolis. The dam is located about 37 kilometers east of Gombe town and 5 kilometers from Dadin Kowa hamlet, providing drinking water to the town. The federal government completed the dam in 1984 to provide irrigation and energy for the projected Gongola sugar plantation project.
The reservoir is designed to have a water capacity of 2.8 billion cubic meters, making it the country’s second largest dam, and a surface area of 300 square kilometers. It also offers fishing potential. The reservoir displaced 26,000 people, and they received little assistance with resettlement. The reservoir is thought to be a key breeding ground for black flies, which can cause river blindness.
CGC Nigeria, a Chinese corporation, built the water supply project for approximately N8.2 billion, which was completed during Governor Mohammed Danjuma Goje’s administration. In 2010, it was providing roughly 30,000 cubic meters daily, cleaned at a plant three kilometers from the dam and routed to storage reservoirs in Gombe while supplying communities along the road.
Goronyo Dam (Sokoto State)
The Goronyo Dam impounds the Rima River in the Goronyo local government area of Sokoto State, northern Nigeria. It was finished in 1984 and commissioned in 1992. The dam is a sand-filled construction that is 21 meters tall and spans 12.5 kilometers. It has a storage capacity of 976 million cubic metres. The dam will play a significant role in flood control and water release during the dry season for the projected Zauro polder project downstream in Kebbi State.
The Goronyo Dam consists of three embankments (Main Dam, Secondary Dam, and Saddle Dyke) totaling 12.462 meters in length, as well as a natural embankment of 12.271 meters, for a total of 24.733 meters. It also has a stilling basin, which is a controlled spillway. This controlled spillway has five gates, the two gates apart are flood control gates, which are used for flood regulation, the other two gates are intake gates for irrigation and dry season releases, and the last one is the bottom outlet gate (desilting gate), which is used to remove the reservoir sediment, it is placed at the bottom of the dam such that all suspended materials and sediment are evacuated outside the area down to the river channel.
Ikere Gorge Dam (Oyo State)
The Ikere Gorge Dam is a major earth-fill dam on the Ogun River in the Iseyin local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria’s southwest. The reservoir capacity is 690 million m3. The dam was initiated by General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government and began operations in 1983 during Shehu Shagari’s administration. It was designed to generate 37.5 megawatts of energy, supply water to local villages and Lagos, and irrigate 12,000 hectares of land. The dam was built between 1982 and 1983, but subsequent military governments abandoned it.
The dam was constructed to support a hydropower project, but due to equipment limitations and environmental changes, the project has become a mirage. Furthermore, it has an effect on fish farming. The majority of the local population do not have access to power. The federal government initiated a 33-KVA rural electrification initiative in the region several years ago. However, the only remnants of that endeavor are the concrete poles. Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first elected president, planned a hydropower project with the dam in the 1980s, but it was eventually shelved. Even Garbe, Lahmeyer & Co., the German company that manufactured the two turbines used to generate electricity from the dam, went out of business in 1993.
As a result of the project’s 40-year abandonment, the multi-million equipment, including alternators, two 3-MW turbines, and other electrical components, are now rusted.
Zobe Dam (Katsina State)
The Zobe Dam is located in the Dutsin-Ma local government area of Katsina State, in northern Nigeria. It is an earth-fill construction that stands 19 meters tall and spans 2,750 meters in length. The dam has 179 Mca storage capacity and an irrigation potential of 8,000 hectares. Although the dam was finished in 1983, it was still not in use in 2010 for Katsina municipal water supply, local irrigation, or power generation.
Zobe Dam was created in the late 1970s during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s government and was intended to supply 50% of Katsina state’s drinking water while also supporting irrigation farming in the Dutsinma region. The Shehu Shagari administration developed the dam as part of the Federal Urban Water Project, which was finished in 1983. The water supply project was scheduled to be completed in 1995, however it was abandoned due to a lack of finance. According to a 2004 safety study, the dam appeared stable, but it had previously experienced seepage difficulties and should be regularly monitored and updated to intercept foundation seepage..
Tiga Dam (Kano State)
Tiga Dam is one of the oldest dams in Nigeria, constructed between 1971 to 1974. The dam was built to provide water for irrigation and also supply potable water to Kano city. It is a main reservoir on the Kano River, a significant tributary of the Hadejia River. During Governor Audu Bako’s administration, the dam was built as part of an irrigation project to boost food security.
The dam was built during Governor Audu Bako’s administration in an effort to address the threat of recurring drought and increase food security through irrigation projects. The dam encompasses 178 square kilometers (69 square miles) and has a maximum capacity of roughly 2,000,000,000 cubic meters (7.1×1010 cubic feet). The dam’s water supports both Kano City and the Kano River Irrigation Project. Several studies have found that the dam has provided negative economic value when the impact on downstream populations is taken into account.
Tiga Dam attracts visitors because of its scenic beauty and leisure opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and picnic areas along the reservoir. The surrounding area is particularly noted for its diverse wildlife, which provides opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
The dam supports dry season farming, fishing, livestock watering and recreational activities. It has boosted the economy of local communities around the dam through increased agricultural productivity and job creation. Overall, Tiga Dam remains an important source of water for domestic and irrigation purposes in Kano State despite its aging infrastructure. With proper management and maintenance, the dam would continue to support livelihoods and economic development for many decades to come.
Oyan River Dam (Ogun State)
The Oyan River Dam, located in Ogun State, Nigeria, was built on 29th of March, 1983 to provide water for Lagos and Ogun States. This massive dam holds back the waters of the Oyan River, creating the Oyan Lake. At the time of its completion, the Oyan Dam was considered an engineering marvel and helped provide a stable water supply for millions of people.
The Oyan River Dam is located in the Abeokuta North local government area of Ogun State in western Nigeria, approximately 20 kilometers north of the state capital Abeokuta. The dam bridges the Oyan River, which is a tributary of the Ogun. Its primary usage is to bring raw water to Lagos and Abeokuta, but it also has potential for irrigation and power generation.President Shehu Shagari commissioned the dam on March 29, 1983, and it is now operated by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. The lake lies in the savannah zone, which has few trees and grasses and low productivity. It spans 4,000 hectares and has a catchment area of 9,000 km2.
The dam has a crest length of 1044 meters, a height of 30.4 meters, and a total storage capacity of 270 million m3. It was built to bring raw water to Lagos and Abeokuta while also supporting the Lower Ogun Irrigation Project, which covers 3,000 hectares. Three 3-megawatt turbines were erected in 1983 but remained idle as of 2007. Aside from supplying water and power, the Oyan Dam has also become an important spot for tourism and recreation.
The Oyan Dam has brought both benefits and challenges to the local area. While improving water security and access to electricity for many, the creation of Oyan Lake displaced over 6,000 people and submerged fertile farmland. There have also been ongoing concerns about the environmental impact of the dam, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased erosion. However, the Oyan Dam remains a vital source of water and power for Ogun State and Lagos. With proper management and oversight, it will likely continue providing these resources for generations to come.
Kiri Dam (Adamawa State)
Kiri Dam is located in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, in northeastern Nigeria. The Kiri Dam is located in the Shelleng local government area of Adamawa State, in northeastern Nigeria, and dams the Gongola River. It’s a 1.2-kilometer-long, 20-meter-high zoned embankment with an interior clay blanket. The dam was completed in 1982.
The reservoir’s capacity is 615 million m³. The dam was built to supply irrigation to the Savannah Sugar corporation (SSC), a large-scale sugar cane plantation and processing corporation formed as a joint venture between the Nigerian Federal Government and the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) of London. The CDC served as the project’s managing agency, and the construction contract was awarded to NECCO, which is mostly government owned.
Dangote Industries acquired the Savannah Sugar Company in 2002. In 2009, the corporation held 32,000 hectares of land surrounding the dam, of which 6,330 were in use, and it employed approximately 5,000 people. The company produced approximately 50,000 tons of sugar per year to feed the Nigerian market, which consumes 1.1 million tons annually. Over 1,000 hectares of irrigated rice and other crops were farmed on the company’s canals.
Jibiya Dam (Katsina State)
The Jibiya Dam is located in the Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State, in northern Nigeria. It is an earth-fill construction with a geomembrane liner, measuring 23.5 m in height and 3,660 m in total length, with a capacity of 142 million m3. The dam was designed in 1987 and completed in 1989, it was constructed to facilitate agricultural and water delivery. Unless it rains, the dam site’s scenery is sub-desertic. The Gada River flows for just around four months of the year and has a catchment area of over 400 km2 near Jibiya. Due to the surface soil being loose and sandy, a flexible impermeable liner that could respond to settling or deformation of the embankment was used.
The dam’s condition was deemed “good” in a 2004 review, but no instrument readings had been taken since 1994 due to operator training deficiencies. As of 2007, the dam was not used for irrigation due to a lack of fuel to power the pumps. The Gada River flows from Nigeria to Niger, then back into Nigeria. Previously, it was dry for eight months of the year. Niger’s water supply is now more reliable because of the regulated flow throughout the year.
Gusau Dam (Zamfara State)
The Gusau Dam is a reservoir on the Sokoto River just upstream of Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State in Nigeria. It provides water to the city and surrounding communities.
During a drought, the dam proved insufficient to supply local demands. In January 2001, Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima visited with Federal Minister of Water Resources Mohammed Bello Kaliel and informed him that the Gusau Dam could soon dry up, requesting that the Federal Government transfer water from the Bakolori Dam to Gusau. Kaliel stated that the Federal Government is committed to providing excellent water to all Nigerians and will soon assist the states, with Gusau receiving priority.
In 2006, the dam fell, killing 40 people and demolishing 500 houses. During a drought, the dam proved insufficient to supply local demands.
As Nigeria’s population continues to grow rapidly, the need for new dams to generate power, enhance food security, and provide potable water will persist. However, any new dams will need to be carefully planned to avoid the social and environmental problems that have plagued some of Nigeria’s existing dams. With prudent management and oversight, Nigeria’s dams can be a blessing rather than a curse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dams in Nigeria
Water is life and in Nigeria, dams provide a crucial source of this precious resource. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about dams in Nigeria.
What is Nigeria’s biggest dam?
Nigeria’s largest dam is the Kainji Dam, it is across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria, it generates hydropower electricity for millions of people. Kainji Dam is a 7.2-kilometer gravity dam on the Niger River. It built Lake Kainji, Nigeria’s largest man-made lake, measuring 135 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide at its widest point. It was completed in 1968.
What are the three major dams in Nigeria?
The three largest dams in Nigeria are:
- Kainji Dam – Provides hydroelectric power and helps control flooding.
- Jebba Dam – Also provides hydroelectric power and controls flooding. It is downstream from Kainji Dam.
- Shiroro Dam – Located in Kaduna state, it generates 600 MW of electricity for Nigeria’s national grid.
These dams have a total active capacity of 18.6 billion cubic metres (660 billion cubic feet) and a total power capacity of 1920 MW.
Which dam did the Chinese build in Nigeria?
The Chinese government helped fund and construct the Zungeru Dam, which will be the largest in Nigeria once completed. Still under construction, the $1.2 billion hydroelectric dam project is located in Niger state and is expected to generate 700 MW when finished.
Which is the world’s largest dam?
The world’s largest dam is the Three Gorges Dam in China. It is a hydroelectric gravity dam that spans the Yangtze River by the town of Sandouping, in Yiling District, Yichang, Hubei province, China. While massive in scale, many environmentalists argue that the environmental and social costs of the Three Gorges Dam far outweigh its benefits. Mega-dams often displace communities, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten biodiversity.
How many dams are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has several major dams that provide hydroelectric power, control flooding, and supply water for irrigation and human use. There are 323 large, medium and small dams in Nigeria.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a full rundown of the major and minor dams in Nigeria. From massive hydroelectric powerhouses like the Kainji Dam to smaller local dams providing water resources, Nigeria’s network of dams powers communities, fuels agriculture, and supplies drinking water across the country. While new dams continue to be built, many existing ones need upgrades and improved maintenance. But the dams’ importance for Nigeria’s future remains. So next time you open your tap or switch on a light, think about the hardworking dams making it possible. Nigeria’s dams may not be famous worldwide, but they’re the lifeblood of the nation.