This study deals with the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in mapping flood risk
zones in Makurdi Town. This study draws its relevance from the importance of a GIS database in
tackling flood related problems. To create a map of flood risk zones in Makurdi town, the ArcView GIS
package was used to digitize a topographic map and other relevant themes of the study area. Through
GIS overlay and manipulative functions, a Digital Elevation Model of the study area; and a classification
map of flood risk zones in Makurdi town were created. The map of flood risk zones generated shows
that Makurdi town is generally susceptible to flooding and very little has been done in steering away
development from ‘highly susceptible’ areas. The study recommends the need for town planners to
steer development away from areas of high risk to low risk.