Examining the variability of rainfall, temperature and runoff data in the Niger and Benue confluence catchment in Lokoja, Kogi State north central, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of climate (rainfall and temperature) variability on runoff Rivers Niger Benue confluence at Lokoja, Kogi state, Nigeria. Remotely sensed climatic data for 1979-2014 was obtained from global weather soil water assessment tools website (SWAT), generated using Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method (SCS-CN), Multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze data. results revealed that rainfall experienced an average decrease about 462.7mm while temperature increase 3.90 C. This has effect runoff, 31.7 m3/s. increases rate evaporation which helps in reducing volume river. multiple correlation result shows are significantly associated with runoff. coefficient determinations (R2) indicated 21.6% changes accounted by combination temperature, remaining unexplained variations 86.4% accountable other factors not considered present research also that, consistency findings affirming previous studies shown remotely can still be reliable as conventional stations. recommended effort should put place manage trend so it doesn’t affect power generation usage more open, user-friendly access especially