<p>This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the sedimentology and reservoir properties of the Gombe Formation in the Gongola Basin, Northeastern Nigeria, to assess its hydrocarbon exploration potential. The paper addresses an urgent knowledge gap in the reservoir architecture linking depositional facies and reservoirs in the Gongola Sub-basin, where a lack of facies and petrophysical characterization has hindered exploration. The research integrates fieldwork, textural analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and petrophysical analysis to evaluate the depositional environment, facies characteristics, and reservoir quality of the Gombe Formation. The results reveal a deltaic depositional environment with three distinct facies associations: Estuarine Facies Association, Deltaic Facies Association, and Channel-Fill to Floodplain Facies Association, each characterized by unique lithofacies, sedimentary structures, and petrophysical properties. The petrophysical analysis indicates good reservoir potential, with porosity values ranging from 29% to 42% and permeability values ranging from 1.3 × 10^− 4 to 6.0 × 10^− 4 per centimeter second, suggesting that the Gombe Formation has potential for hydrocarbon accumulation. The SEM analysis provides detailed images of the sandstone’s microstructure, revealing authigenic minerals and pore-throat geometry. In contrast, the XRD analysis identifies the sandstone’s mineralogical composition, including quartz, feldspar, and clay minerals. The study’s findings have significant implications for hydrocarbon exploration in the region, highlighting the potential of the Gombe Formation as a reservoir rock.</p>