President Bola Tinubu has approved the sum of N80 billion for the immediate reconstruction and expansion of Alau Dam in Borno State, following its devastating collapse in 2024, which led to catastrophic flooding that killed over 150 people and displaced at least 419,000 residents.
Alau Dam, located in Konduga Local Government Area, was originally constructed between 1984 and 1986 to impound a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, a key tributary of Lake Chad. However, its failure last year caused widespread destruction, prompting urgent government intervention.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed the approval while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Utsev, the decision was based on recommendations from a Ministerial Committee that was set up on September 23, 2024, to assess Nigeria’s dams. The committee, chaired by Utsev, included ministers of finance, environment, works, information, and the National Security Adviser. The group, inaugurated on October 2, 2024, was tasked with evaluating the conditions of dams nationwide and recommending strategies to enhance their efficiency in water supply, flood control, irrigation, and fish farming.
A subcommittee comprising members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, and the Council of Dams Experts in Nigeria was also established to conduct in-depth technical assessments. So far, the committee has reviewed 35 dams across the country, with Alau Dam being a top priority due to its critical role in the region’s water management system.
Following detailed designs and analysis, the committee presented its findings to President Tinubu, who promptly approved the N80 billion funding for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion. The project is now set to move forward, with key stakeholders, including the Borno State government and Nigeria’s security advisory office, working together to ensure swift implementation.
Utsev revealed that the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by July 2025, ensuring that Maiduguri and surrounding areas are protected from further flooding this year. Additional works, such as desilting and full expansion, will commence in December 2025, with the entire project scheduled for completion within 24 months.
This major reconstruction effort underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to disaster prevention, water security, and infrastructure resilience, particularly in flood-prone regions like Borno State. The Alau Dam project is expected to not only prevent future disasters but also enhance irrigation, water supply, and economic opportunities for communities relying on the Ngadda River system.
