Urban development in Awka Capital Territory, Nigeria, faces challenges arising from uncoordinated expansion, inadequate infrastructure, and limited planning strategies. This study applies Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess urban development potential across Awka Capital Territory. The research integrates environmental and socio-economic factors including slope, elevation, proximity to infrastructure, and population density. Using AHP, each criterion was weighted based on expert judgment and combined via GIS Weighted Overlay Analysis. The results revealed urban development potential in Awka Capital Territory, categorized land into High, Moderate, and Low potential. Out of the total 399.84 km², 66.16% (264.53 km²) was classified as high potential, 22.63% (90.47 km²) as moderate, and 11.21% (44.84 km²) as low potential, indicating strong prospects for urban expansion due to favorable topography, accessibility, and infrastructure. Among the LGAs, Awka South (78.15%, 128.66 km²) and Anaocha (80.51%, 19.09 km²) exhibited the highest potential, followed by Njikoka (66.71%) and Awka North (61.67%). Dunukofia (43.28% high, 38.59% low) and Orumba North (33.87% high, 39.93% moderate) displayed mixed suitability, requiring infrastructure improvements. The study successfully integrated an approach to investigate development potential within the Awka Capital Territory. This evaluation approach, is hereby recommended to be used as tool for planning and decision making in urban development in the study area.