FG begins N80bn Alau dam reconstruction in Maiduguri
The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction of the collapsed Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The project estimated at N80 billion naira when completed will enhance water resource infrastructure, control flooding, and drive economic growth in the region.
Performing the flag-off ceremony at the dam site, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, stated that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising the administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
He recalled the devastating flood of September 10, 2024, which severely impacted Maiduguri and surrounding communities, making urgent intervention necessary.
Following a thorough assessment by a high-powered technical committee on dam evaluation, President Tinubu approved ₦80 billion for the full reconstruction and upgrade of the facility.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, said in a statement on Saturday that the project will be executed in two phases over 24 months. The first phase, scheduled between March and September 2025, will focus on immediate interventions to mitigate flood risks.
The second phase, set to run from October 2025 to March 2027, will involve extensive desilting and structural enhancements to ensure long-term resilience. Prof. Utsev assured the people of Borno State that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will continue to provide full support for the project’s implementation.
The minister urged contractors and engineers to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental sustainability, stressing that the initiative is crucial to restoring hope and security in the state.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in his remarks, expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing Borno State’s infrastructure needs.
He stressed the socio-economic benefits of the upgraded dam, including improved potable water supply, enhanced irrigation for agricultural development, better flood control measures, and the potential for hydroelectric power generation.
Governor Zulum described the project as not just a repair of a physical structure but a revitalization of hope and prosperity for the people, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring livelihoods and dignity in Borno State.
He also appealed for both phases to be executed concurrently to expedite the desilting of critical waterways.
Providing technical details, Engr. Ali Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the Ministry, outlined key aspects of the reconstruction, including the merging of Dykes 1A and 1B into a single dam with a new auxiliary spillway, the construction of a new intake structure, the expansion of penstock pipes, the rehabilitation of Dykes 1C, 2, and 3, the replacement of control gates, and the implementation of comprehensive safety management and training programs.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Senator Kenneth Eze, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources; and Rt. Hon. Sada Soli, Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation. In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving funds for the project and commended the collaborative efforts of Governor Zulum, the National Assembly, the Shehu of Borno, and project engineers.
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