Assessment of the Effectiveness of Development Control on Flood Management in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria

• Author(s): Ijwo Job Ode ; Peter T. Anule ; Monday Akpegi Onah ; Ashwe Gabriel Tyover ; Ukough Pius Terlanga
• Paper ID: 1710432
• Page: 831-852
• Published Date: 17-09-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 3 September-2025

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of development control measures in managing flood risks in Makurdi Town, Benue State. The study specifically examined existing development control measures, their implementation and enforcement, their role in mitigating flood risks, and the challenges faced, while also suggesting measures for enhancing development control measures that would improve flood management outcomes. A survey research design was adopted, with data collected from residents, officials, and experts. This study employed Cochran’s formula to determine a representative sample size of 384 residents in flood-prone areas, alongside 24 purposively selected officials and experts. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, direct observations, and focus group discussions. A stratified random sampling method was used for residents, while purposive sampling targeted key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis to assess development control measures in flood management. Findings revealed that zoning regulations were the most recognised development control measure (42.7%), while awareness of building codes was low (10.9%). Residential land use dominated flood-prone areas (46.9%), with 81 of 116 developments identified as contraventions, and only 61.2% of these were demolished. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.88) between developments and demolitions, but a weaker correlation (r = 0.54) with undemolished structures, indicating enforcement limitations. Only 30.7% of respondents rated development control measures as effective, while 56.8% rated them ineffective or very ineffective. Most respondents (45.9%) believed flood incidents had not reduced, and mean scores for risk mitigation indicators ranged from 2.38 to 2.97, reflecting general dissatisfaction. Key challenges included lack of clear guidelines (mean = 4.02), weak enforcement (mean = 3.75), and insufficient resources (mean = 4.12). Recommendations include strengthening enforcement, revising legal frameworks, enhancing community participation, increasing funding, and improving inter-agency collaboration. The study concludes that current development control mechanisms are inadequate and require strategic reform to effectively mitigate flood risks in Makurdi

Keywords

Development Control; Flood Management; Enforcement; Zoning Regulations; and Makurdi Town

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ijwo Job Ode , Peter T. Anule , Monday Akpegi Onah , Ashwe Gabriel Tyover , Ukough Pius Terlanga "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Development Control on Flood Management in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 831-852

IEEE:
Ijwo Job Ode , Peter T. Anule , Monday Akpegi Onah , Ashwe Gabriel Tyover , Ukough Pius Terlanga "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Development Control on Flood Management in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3)