This page lists 75 rivers in Nigeria, with names, the states they cross, the basins or tributaries they belong to, and their approximate lengths in kilometers. Most rivers feed the Niger-Benue system or flow to the Atlantic; a few reach Lake Chad in the northeast. This content covers physical geography and hydrology. Data follows official sources such as the Nigerian Hydrological Services and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Use the table below to find a river by name, state, or basin. Below is the complete table of 75 rivers in Nigeria.
What is the longest river in Nigeria? Note that the Niger River is the longest at about 1,300 km in Nigeria, with the Benue as the main tributary at about 870 km. Lengths are approximate and measured within Nigeria.
What are the major river basins in Nigeria? Major basins include Niger-Benue, Cross River, Chad Basin (Lake Chad), and Atlantic coastal basins (Benin, Lagos, Cross coastal). Note that the Niger/Benue are most navigable in the wet season, while coastal rivers are shorter.
What is the longest river in Nigeria?
Note the Niger River is the longest river listed, at about 1,300 km within Nigeria. The Benue River is the main tributary and is about 870 km long. Lengths shown are estimates for the rivers inside Nigeria and may vary by source.
What are the major river basins in Nigeria?
Know the main basins: the Niger‑Benue system (largest, central and southern Nigeria), the Cross River basin (southeast), the coastal basins to the Atlantic (southwest and south), and the Chad Basin (northeast feeding Lake Chad). The Niger and Benue form the core inland network. Coastal rivers are shorter and drop to the Atlantic, while the Chad Basin rivers often dry seasonally.
Rivers in Nigeria
| Name | State(s) | Basin/Tributary | Length (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niger | Kebbi;Niger;Kogi;Anambra;Delta;Bayelsa | Niger — main stem | 1,300 |
| Benue | Adamawa;Taraba;Benue;Kogi | Benue — main tributary of Niger | 870 |
| Sokoto | Sokoto;Kebbi | Niger — tributary of Niger | 320 |
| Rima | Katsina;Zamfara;Sokoto;Kebbi | Niger — tributary of Sokoto River | 400 |
| Kaduna | Kaduna;Niger | Niger — tributary of Niger | 550 |
| Gongola | Bauchi;Gombe;Adamawa | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 530 |
| Katsina Ala | Taraba;Benue | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 250 |
| Donga | Taraba;Benue | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 300 |
| Taraba | Taraba | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 400 |
| Anambra | Anambra;Enugu | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 210 |
| Imo | Imo;Abia;Rivers;Akwa Ibom | Atlantic coastal — independent river to the Atlantic | 240 |
| Cross | Cross River;Akwa Ibom | Cross — main stem to the Atlantic | 550 |
| Calabar | Cross River;Akwa Ibom | Cross — tributary to Cross River estuary | 80 |
| Great Kwa | Cross River | Cross — tributary to Cross River estuary | 90 |
| Qua Iboe | Abia;Akwa Ibom | Atlantic coastal — independent river to the Atlantic | 150 |
| Orashi | Imo;Rivers;Bayelsa | Niger — lower Niger/Delta channel | 200 |
| Ulasi | Imo;Anambra | Niger — tributary via Oguta/Orashi to lower Niger | 120 |
| Otamiri | Imo | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Imo River | 45 |
| Ogun | Oyo;Ogun;Lagos | Atlantic coastal — independent river to Lagos Lagoon | 480 |
| Osun | Ekiti;Osun;Oyo;Ogun;Lagos | Atlantic coastal — independent river to Lagos Lagoon | 267 |
| Ose (Osse) | Edo;Ondo | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Benin River | 200 |
| Ethiope | Delta | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Benin River | 80 |
| Warri | Delta;Edo | Atlantic coastal — estuarine river | 150 |
| Benin | Edo;Delta | Atlantic coastal — estuarine river | 160 |
| Escravos | Delta | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 80 |
| Forcados | Delta;Bayelsa | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 200 |
| Nun | Bayelsa | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 160 |
| Brass | Bayelsa | Niger — Niger Delta distributary (lower Nun) | 100 |
| Bonny | Rivers | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 90 |
| New Calabar | Rivers | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 80 |
| Andoni | Rivers;Akwa Ibom | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 80 |
| Sombreiro | Rivers;Bayelsa | Atlantic coastal — deltaic river | 200 |
| Santa Barbara | Bayelsa;Rivers | Niger — Niger Delta distributary | 60 |
| Okpara | Ogun | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Ouémé River | 110 |
| Yewa | Ogun;Lagos | Atlantic coastal — independent river to lagoons | 100 |
| Oluwa | Ondo | Atlantic coastal — independent river to the Atlantic | 110 |
| Siluko | Edo | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Benin River | 90 |
| Oba | Oyo;Osun | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Osun River | 120 |
| Yobe (Komadugu Yobe) | Yobe;Borno | Chad — main river to Lake Chad | 320 |
| Hadejia | Kano;Jigawa | Chad — tributary of Yobe River | 300 |
| Jama’are | Bauchi;Jigawa | Chad — tributary of Hadejia River | 400 |
| Komadugu Gana | Yobe;Borno | Chad — tributary of Yobe River | 150 |
| Yedseram | Adamawa;Borno | Chad — main river to Lake Chad | 300 |
| Ngadda | Borno | Chad — tributary to Lake Chad via Yedseram/Ngadda system | 100 |
| Ebeji | Borno | Chad — distributary/channel to Lake Chad | 150 |
| Zamfara | Zamfara;Kebbi;Sokoto | Niger — tributary of Sokoto River | 250 |
| Ka (Gulbin Ka) | Zamfara;Kebbi | Niger — tributary of Sokoto River | 250 |
| Goulbi de Maradi | Katsina | Niger — tributary of Rima River | 150 |
| Kontagora | Niger | Niger — tributary of Kaduna River | 180 |
| Gurara | FCT;Niger | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 200 |
| Galma | Kaduna | Niger — tributary of Kaduna River | 150 |
| Asa | Kwara | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 80 |
| Kampe | Kogi | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 160 |
| Ase | Delta | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 150 |
| Okura | Kogi | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 100 |
| Ofu | Kogi | Niger — tributary of Anambra River | 120 |
| Oji | Enugu;Abia | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Imo River | 75 |
| Ebonyi | Ebonyi;Cross River | Cross — tributary of Cross River | 180 |
| Mada | Nasarawa;Benue | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 180 |
| Otukpo | Benue | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 110 |
| Mu | Benue | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 150 |
| Okpokwu | Benue | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 130 |
| Hawal | Borno;Adamawa;Gombe | Benue — tributary of Gongola River | 160 |
| Faro | Taraba;Adamawa | Benue — tributary of Benue River | 310 |
| Akwayafe | Cross River;Akwa Ibom | Cross — border/estuarine river to the Atlantic | 50 |
| Afi | Cross River | Cross — tributary of Cross River | 80 |
| Ogbese | Ekiti;Ondo;Edo | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Benin River | 200 |
| Owan | Edo;Ondo | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Ose/Benin River | 85 |
| Moshi | Niger;Kebbi | Niger — tributary of Niger River (Kainji reach) | 150 |
| Bunsuru | Katsina;Sokoto | Niger — tributary of Rima River | 150 |
| Kano | Kano;Jigawa | Chad — tributary of Hadejia River | 100 |
| Challawa | Kano | Chad — tributary of Kano River | 100 |
| Ofiki | Oyo;Ogun | Atlantic coastal — tributary of Ogun River | 90 |
| Idemili | Anambra | Niger — tributary of Niger River | 35 |
| Ikom | Cross River | Cross — tributary of Cross River | 100 |
Images and Descriptions
Niger
The Niger River is West Africa’s main river. It flows through Nigeria, forming a vital transportation route and supporting many communities. It is one of the longest rivers in Africa. Its presence is central to Nigeria’s geography and economy.
Benue
The Benue River is a major tributary of the Niger River. It joins the Niger at Lokoja in Nigeria. This river is important for agriculture and fishing in the regions it crosses within Nigeria.
Sokoto
The Sokoto River is a river in northwestern Nigeria. It flows into the Rima River, which then joins the Niger. It is a key water source for farming and daily life in Sokoto State.
Rima
The Rima River is a significant river in northern Nigeria. It flows through arid areas, and its waters are essential for irrigation. It is part of the larger Niger River basin.
Kaduna
The Kaduna River is a major tributary of the Niger River in Nigeria. It features prominently in central Nigeria. The city of Kaduna is named after this river.
Gongola
The Gongola River flows in northeastern Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Benue River. This river is important for local irrigation and supports biodiversity in its basin.
Katsina Ala
The Katsina Ala River is a significant tributary of the Benue River. It flows from Cameroon into Nigeria. This river is a notable feature in the hydrography of Nigeria’s eastern regions.
Donga
The Donga River is a major tributary of the Benue River. It flows through eastern Nigeria. Its waters are crucial for agriculture and local communities.
Taraba
The Taraba River is an important tributary of the Benue River. It flows through Taraba State in eastern Nigeria. The river sustains diverse ecosystems and local livelihoods.
Anambra
The Anambra River is a river in southeastern Nigeria. It flows into the Niger River. This river is relevant for local transport and fishing activities in the state it traverses.
Imo
The Imo River rises in Abia State and flows south through Imo and Akwa Ibom States. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a significant river in southeastern Nigeria.
Cross
The Cross River is a major river in southeastern Nigeria. It provides a vital waterway for transport and fishing. Its basin is known for its rich biodiversity.
Calabar
The Calabar River is a river in Cross River State, Nigeria. It flows through the city of Calabar. This river is a historic site for trade and urban development.
Great Kwa
The Great Kwa River is located near Calabar in Cross River State. It is known for its natural beauty and is an important local water source. This river is part of Nigeria’s coastal river system.
Qua Iboe
The Qua Iboe River is an important river estuary in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is significant for oil exploration and fishing.
Orashi
The Orashi River is a river in southeastern Nigeria. It is an important waterway for communities in the Niger Delta. The river supports local economies through fishing and transport.
Ulasi
The Ulasi River is located in Imo State, Nigeria. It is a smaller river but plays a role in local drainage. It contributes to the network of rivers in the Niger Delta.
Otamiri
The Otamiri River is a river in Imo State, Nigeria. It flows through Owerri, the state capital. This river is important for local water supply and irrigation.
Ogun
The Ogun River is a major river in southwestern Nigeria. It flows through Lagos and Ogun States before entering the Lagos Lagoon. It is a key water source for urban and rural areas.
Osun
The Osun River is a sacred river in Yorubaland, southwestern Nigeria. It flows through Osun State and is culturally significant. Its waters are used for spiritual and practical purposes.
Ose (Osse)
The Ose River is a river located in southwestern Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Siluko River. It is a smaller but essential part of the region’s river network.
Ethiope
The Ethiope River is a river in Delta State, Nigeria. It is known for its clear waters and natural springs. The river provides drinking water and supports local recreation.
Warri
The Warri River is a tidal river in Delta State, Nigeria. It flows through the city of Warri. This river is a significant transportation route and contributes to the Niger Delta’s complex waterways.
Benin
The Benin River is an important river in Edo State, Nigeria. It is a major outlet of the Niger River within the Niger Delta. It supports trade and economic activities in the region.
Escravos
The Escravos River is a significant distributary of the Niger River in the Niger Delta. It is a key channel for shipping and is associated with oil production. This river is vital for Nigeria’s economy.
Forcados
The Forcados River is one of the main distributaries of the Niger River. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major shipping route for oil and gas exports.
Nun
The Nun River is a distributary of the Niger River in the Niger Delta. It flows directly to the Atlantic Ocean. This river is an important part of the intricate delta system.
Brass
The Brass River is a distributary of the Niger River in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It is a historical trade route. The river is important for local communities and maritime activities.
Bonny
The Bonny River is a significant distributary of the Niger River in Rivers State. It flows past Bonny Island. This river is crucial for shipping and oil export terminals.
New Calabar
The New Calabar River is a river in Rivers State, Nigeria. It is part of the complex network of rivers and creeks in the Niger Delta. It supports local fishing and transportation.
Andoni
The Andoni River flows through Rivers State, Nigeria. It is a coastal river system. This river is important for communities living along its banks.
Sombreiro
The Sombreiro River is a river in Rivers State, Nigeria. It is one of the many rivers that characterize the landscape of the Niger Delta. It supports local livelihoods.
Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara River is a river in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It is an intricate part of the Niger Delta’s waterways. This river is important for local navigation and resources.
Okpara
The Okpara River is a tributary of the Ogun River in southwestern Nigeria. Its flow contributes to the Ogun River’s water volume. It is a relevant local water source.
Yewa
The Yewa River is a river in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. It flows towards the Lagos Lagoon. This river supports agricultural activities in its basin.
Oluwa
The Oluwa River is located in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria. It is part of the region’s river network. It is important for local communities.
Siluko
The Siluko River flows through Ondo and Edo States in Nigeria. It is a notable river in the Niger Delta region. It is important for transportation and local resources.
Oba
The Oba River is a river in southwestern Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Osun River. This river contributes to the water supply in the Osun River basin.
Yobe (Komadugu Yobe)
The Yobe River, also known as Komadugu Yobe, is a major river in northeastern Nigeria. It flows into Lake Chad. This river is vital for communities in the semi-arid region it crosses.
Hadejia
The Hadejia River is a river in Kano and Jigawa States, Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Yobe River. It forms part of an important wetland ecosystem and supports agriculture.
Jama’are
The Jama’are River is a river in Bauchi State, Nigeria. It is a major tributary of the Yobe River. This river contributes significantly to the flow of water into the Lake Chad basin.
Komadugu Gana
The Komadugu Gana is a river in northeastern Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Yobe River. This river helps sustain ecosystems in the region.
Yedseram
The Yedseram River is a river in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. It flows towards Lake Chad. This river is an important water source for local communities.
Ngadda
The Ngadda River is a river in Borno State, Nigeria. It flows near Maiduguri. This river is essential for the city and surrounding areas.
Ebeji
The Ebeji River is a river located in an eastern part of Nigeria. It contributes to the regional hydrography. Information about this river is less common but it is a local water source.
Zamfara
The Zamfara River is a river in northwestern Nigeria. It gives its name to Zamfara State. This river is important for agriculture and local communities in the region.
Ka (Gulbin Ka)
The Gulbin Ka, or Ka River, is located in northwestern Nigeria. It is a local water source in the region. This river forms part of the smaller river systems.
Goulbi de Maradi
The Goulbi de Maradi is a seasonal river that flows from Nigeria into Niger. It is an important transboundary water feature. It provides water for irrigation and livestock.
Kontagora
The Kontagora River is a river in Niger State, Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Kaduna River. This river supports local agriculture and communities in its basin.
Gurara
The Gurara River is a major left bank tributary of the Niger River in Nigeria. It is known for Gurara Waterfalls. This river is important for local tourism and water supply.
Galma
The Galma River is a tributary of the Kaduna River in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This river is important for local water needs and agriculture.
Asa
The Asa River is a river in Kwara State, southwestern Nigeria. It flows near Ilorin. This river is relevant for local water supply and irrigation.
Kampe
The Kampe River is a river in Kogi State, Nigeria. This river contributes to the local water systems. It is important for communities in its vicinity.
Ase
The Ase River is a river in Delta State, Nigeria. It is part of the extensive river network of the Niger Delta. This river supports local fishing and transport.
Okura
The Okura River is a river in Kogi State, Nigeria. It is a local feature of the area’s hydrology. This river serves local populations.
Ofu
The Ofu River is a river in Kogi State, Nigeria. It flows through a significant part of the state. This river is important for local water resources.
Oji
The Oji River is a river in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria. It is known for its associated hydro-electric power station. This river contributes to the region’s infrastructure.
Ebonyi
The Ebonyi River is a river in Ebonyi State, southeastern Nigeria. It gives its name to the state. This river is a major water source for agriculture and daily life.
Mada
The Mada River is a river in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It is an important local river. This river contributes to the regional drainage.
Otukpo
The Otukpo River is a river in Benue State, Nigeria. It flows near the town of Otukpo. This river is significant for local water supply and farming.
Mu
The Mu River is a smaller river in Nigeria. Its exact location is less prominent but it contributes to local drainage. This river is part of the smaller waterways.
Okpokwu
The Okpokwu River is a river in Benue State, Nigeria. It flows through significant agricultural areas. This river is important for local irrigation.
Hawal
The Hawal River is a river in northeastern Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Benue River. This river is important for water supply in its basin.
Faro
The Faro River runs from Cameroon into Nigeria, where it joins the Benue River. It is a transboundary river. This river is an important part of the Benue’s upper basin.
Akwayafe
The Akwayafe River is a boundary river between Nigeria and Cameroon. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This river is important for regional geography and international borders.
Afi
The Afi River is a river in Cross River State, Nigeria. It is known for the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. This river is important for biodiversity.
Ogbese
The Ogbese River is a river in Ekiti and Ondo States, southwestern Nigeria. It contributes to the region’s water resources. This river is important for local communities.
Owan
The Owan River is a river in Edo State, Nigeria. It is a local water source. This river is important for the surrounding areas.
Moshi
The Moshi River is a river in northern Nigeria. It is part of the region’s river system. This river is important for local water needs.
Bunsuru
The Bunsuru River is a river in Kano and Jigawa States, Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Hadejia River. This river contributes to the Lake Chad basin.
Kano
The Kano River is a river in Kano State, Nigeria. It flows through agricultural areas. This river is essential for irrigation and local water supply.
Challawa
The Challawa River is a river in Kano State, Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Kano River. This river is important for water management in the region.
Ofiki
The Ofiki River is a river in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria. It is a tributary of the Ogun River. This river is part of the Ogun River basin.
Idemili
The Idemili River is a river in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It holds cultural and spiritual significance for local communities. This river is a notable local landmark.
Ikom
The Ikom River is a river in Cross River State, Nigeria. It flows near the town of Ikom. This river is important for local transport and fishing.
