Integrated Perspectives On Urban Flood Vulnerability In Minna, Niger State: A Critical Review

Abstract

Flooding remains a recurrent and devastating natural hazard in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria among the most severely impacted nations. This study examines flood vulnerability in Minna, Niger State, focusing on Bosso and Chanchaga Local Government Areas (LGAs), through the lens of the Pressure and Release (PAR) framework. The PAR model posits that flood risk is a product of the interaction between physically vulnerable conditions and socially constructed vulnerabilities. Despite extensive research on flood risk, a gap persists in integrating hydrological, geomorphological, and socio-economic dimensions in a comprehensive assessment framework, particularly in the Nigerian context. This paper presents a systematic literature review on flood vulnerability in Minna, synthesizing current research and identifying key drivers of flood risk, including informal settlements, rapid urban expansion, poor drainage networks, and weak institutional structures. The review reveals that previous studies have employed methods such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), but often focus on a single aspect of flood risk, neglecting the complex interplay between physical and social factors. This study argues for an integrated assessment framework, incorporating multi-criteria modelling, participatory flood risk mapping, and governance reforms to enhance resilience in Minna's urban environment.