Niger State

Kainji Dam is located in Niger State, in the North-Central region of Nigeria. Construction of the dam began in 1964 and was completed in 1968 by Impregilo, an Italian consortium. It was built across the Niger River to generate hydroelectric power and create Kainji Lake, Nigeria’s largest man-made reservoir. The dam was a landmark project aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economy by providing electricity, irrigation for agriculture, and fishing opportunities. It also symbolized the country’s modernization after independence. However, its construction displaced around 50,000 people who were resettled in nearby villages, including New Bussa.

Niger State, where Kainji Dam is situated, is Nigeria’s largest state by land area and is named after the River Niger. The state capital is Minna, and other major towns include Bida and Kontagora. Niger State is known for its agricultural activities, producing crops like rice, millet, yams, and peanuts. It also has significant mineral resources Articles such as gold and marble. The state hosts several hydroelectric projects, including Shiroro Dam and Jebba Dam, alongside Kainji Dam. Additionally, it is home to Kainji Lake National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest wildlife reserves. The state’s diverse population includes ethnic groups like Nupe, Gwari, Kamberi, and Hausa.

Sources/Related Articles

1. https://www.britannica.com/place/Kainji-Lake
2. https://enemsproject.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/overview-of-kainji-dam-power-station-and-its-economic-importance/
3. https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/infrastructure-projects/kainji-hydroelectric-dam
4. https://www.britannica.com/place/Niger-state-Nigeria
5. https://www.britannica.com/place/Kainji-Dam
6. https://www.cometonigeria.com/kainji-dam/
7. https://nigerstate.gov.ng
8. https://zodml.org/discover-nigeria/states/niger-stat