Geospatial assessment of groundwater potential zones in Abuja, Nigeria, using GIS-based weighted overlay analysis

Sustainable development of groundwater is vital in meeting the increasing water demand in rapidly growing and rapidly urbanizing areas like Abuja, Nigeria. This study aimed at mapping and classifying areas with varying groundwater potential within Abuja for the purpose of strategic groundwater development planning. Using Geospatial approaches, namely a weighted overlay technique, thematic maps for geology, elevation, land use/land cover, slope, drainage density, and precipitation were integrated based on their respective influences on groundwater availability. Each of the variables was given a weight depending on its importance in groundwater availability mapping. The final map delineated groundwater potential into three classes, namely, low, moderate, and high. The results of the study show that about 79% (5,736.2 km²) of Abuja has moderate groundwater potential, 7% (518.41 km²) has high potential, and 14% (1,024.61 km²) has low potential. The study concludes that although groundwater development is feasible for the vast area, there is a need for a focused approach for the high-potential area for the optimal use of this resource. These results provide critical guidance for policymakers and water resource managers for the purposes of facilitating sustainably managing groundwater in the scenario of the ongoing urbanization of Abuja.