Geohazard Inventory and Risk Profiling for Infrastructure Planning in Taraba State

Taraba State in North East Nigeria contains diverse physiographic zones ranging from the Jos Plateau foothills through the Benue Valley to the Mambilla Plateau, each presenting distinct geohazard profiles that infrastructure planners must address to prevent costly failures and loss of life. This study compiles a comprehensive geohazard inventory for Taraba State, evaluating landslides, flood inundation zones, active erosion gullies, and soil expansion hazards, with the objective of producing a geohazard risk profile useful for infrastructure siting decisions. Secondary data including existing geological maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery were reviewed and geo-referenced in a GIS environment. Field investigation verified and updated the inventory with GPS-documented hazard occurrence locations and severity classifications. The study applies a qualitative risk matrix combining hazard probability and consequence ratings to classify infrastructure risk at the level of existing road corridors, bridges, and proposed dam sites. Special attention is given to the Mambilla Plateau road corridor, where combined landslide and swelling soil hazards have caused repeated pavement failure. The study further reviews the regulatory framework governing geohazard assessment in Nigerian environmental impact assessment procedures and identifies gaps. A risk register is produced for transmission to the Taraba State Ministry of Works and relevant federal agencies. Keywords: geohazard, risk profiling, Taraba State, landslide, infrastructure planning.