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A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria

Sadiq Abullahi Babakaka Sheriff

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Geography

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083

Abstract

This study assesses the causes of excess flooding in Borno State, Nigeria, using GIS spatial analysis and a household survey of 200 residents. GIS results show that high-risk flood zones are concentrated in low-lying areas such as Ngala, Marte, Jere, and Maiduguri, where flat terrain and proximity to rivers increase susceptibility. Survey findings reveal that flooding occurs mainly during July?September, often remaining stagnant for over a week due to inadequate drainage. Major drivers identified include river overflow (92%), construction on floodplains (84%), heavy rainfall (76%), blocked drains (76%), and poor drainage infrastructure (80%). Land-use changes, especially the conversion of wetlands and farmlands into residential areas, combined with increased paved surfaces have intensified runoff. Respondents also observed heavier rainfall in recent years. The study concludes that both environmental and human factors contribute significantly to flooding and recommends improved drainage systems, strict land-use regulation, restoration of natural water pathways, and enhanced government-led flood management.

Keywords

Flooding, GIS, Flood Risk Mapping, Land-Use Change, Climate Change

References

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[2] Aladejana, O. O., & Ebijuoworih, E. J. (2024). Flood risk assessment in Kogi State, Nigeria. Discover Geoscience, 2, Article 31.

[3] Ibrahim A. U., Wakil M. B., Abdullahi M., Kyari A., & Bukar M. A. (2025). Flood risk and resilience: Evidence from the 2024 flood in Maiduguri, Nigeria. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 15(1), 490–505.

[4] Ibrahim, A. U., Wakil, M. B., Abdullahi, M., Kyari, A., & Bukar, M. A. (2025). Flood risk and resilience in Maiduguri. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 15(1), 490–505.

[5] Muhammad, B. I., Olanipekun, O. I., Nabage, Y. A., & Bala, J. (2024). Flood risk and infrastructure resilience. African Journal of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Energy, 17(1), 69–85.

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[7] National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). (2023). Flood Risk and Vulnerability Assessment in North-East Nigeria. Abuja: NEMA.

[8] National Emergency Management Agency. (2023). Flood risk and vulnerability assessment in North-East Nigeria. NEMA.

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[13] Umar, A. I., Usman, M. M., & Musa, L. (2025). Rainfall variability and climate impacts in Northern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Geography and Environment, 9(2), 77–90.

[14] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2023). Nigeria Flood Situation Report – North East Zone. UNOCHA.

[15] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). (2023). Nigeria Flood Situation Report – North East Zone (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe). Abuja: UNOCHA Nigeria.

How to cite this paper

Sadiq Abullahi, Babakaka Sheriff "A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 5 2025 Page 1114-1122 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083
Sadiq Abullahi, Babakaka Sheriff "A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 5, Nov. 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083
Sadiq Abullahi, Babakaka Sheriff (2025). A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(5). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083
Sadiq Abullahi, Babakaka Sheriff "A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 5, Nov. 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083
@article{1712083,
      author = {Sadiq Abullahi, Babakaka Sheriff},
      title = {A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {5},
      pages = {1114-1122},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712083.pdf},
      abstract = {This study assesses the causes of excess flooding in Borno State, Nigeria, using GIS spatial analysis and a household survey of 200 residents. GIS results show that high-risk flood zones are concentrated in low-lying areas such as Ngala, Marte, Jere, and Maiduguri, where flat terrain and proximity to rivers increase susceptibility. Survey findings reveal that flooding occurs mainly during July?September, often remaining stagnant for over a week due to inadequate drainage. Major drivers identified include river overflow (92%), construction on floodplains (84%), heavy rainfall (76%), blocked drains (76%), and poor drainage infrastructure (80%). Land-use changes, especially the conversion of wetlands and farmlands into residential areas, combined with increased paved surfaces have intensified runoff. Respondents also observed heavier rainfall in recent years. The study concludes that both environmental and human factors contribute significantly to flooding and recommends improved drainage systems, strict land-use regulation, restoration of natural water pathways, and enhanced government-led flood management.},
      keywords = {Flooding, GIS, Flood Risk Mapping, Land-Use Change, Climate Change},
      month = {November},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083}
  }