This work is aimed at examining the effect of heavy metal concentration on surface water quality. This study was concentrated on the lower Niger River from Illah through Asaba/Onitsha to Okpai (Lat 6o 25' to Lat 5o 40' N and longitude 6o 37' to 6o 47' E). The data collected from water and were analyzed for the heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn and Co) using urican 929 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that Turbidity, BOD, TSS, hydrocarbon, coliform, magnesium and iron concentrations in the sampled settlement did not meet the WHO (2010) threshold for drinking water quality. The following conclusions were reached; the Niger River water must be treated before drinking, to remove or reduce the amount of non-essential or essential heavy metal and eating of fish species that have bio-accumulated heavy metals above the WHO limits for consumption must be prohibited or discouraged. Also, further studies should be carried out to monitor the heavy metal concentration in the lower Niger River and to identify the point sources of entry; and various contributors to the contamination of the River Niger. Heavy metals have however been grouped into two categories – Essential and Non-Essential. Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Cobalt are essential and beneficial elements but become toxic when their concentrations exceed those required for normal life Lead, Arsenic, Beryllium, and Mercury are non-essential and are not required in biological systems because they are toxic. The following recommendations were made; frequent environmental monitoring (at least twice a year) must be conducted to know levels of heavy metals contamination especially of the aquatic systems; Education of the neighbouring populace on protection of the environment through various technical programmes may very useful; The Niger River water must be treated before drinking, to remove or reduce the amount of non-essential or essential heavy metal such as Cr and Fe; The eating of fish species that have bio accumulated heavy metals above the WHO limits for consumption must be prohibited or discouraged; Further studies should be carried out to monitor the heavy metal concentration in the lower Niger river and to identify the point sources of entry; but, the result of this study should form the baseline data for the assessment of the various contributors to the contamination or otherwise of the River Niger. Thus, the pollution trends in the future can easily be monitored.