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In the past three decades, macroinvertebrate traits have been explored and employed in the biomonitoring of riverine systems globally, but much attention has not been given to the trait-based approach (TBA) in Nigeria. Therefore, in this study, the distribution patterns of macroinvertebrate traits in selected stations exposed to varying degrees of perturbation in River Hadejia, north-western Nigeria, were explored to assess the ecological health of the river. Three stations were selected, representing an increasing gradient of pollution: station 1 > station 2 and station 3, and were used to search for potential indicator traits. Four traits, including body size, respiratory, mobility, and body shape, were selected and classified into 12 trait attributes. The RLQ analysis revealed macroinvertebrates possessing medium and large body sizes, climbing and crawling, tegumental, gills, and aerial: lungs respiratory traits, and …