Alau: The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially commenced the reconstruction and upgrade of the N80 billion Alau Dam in Borno State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Alau Dam is a critical infrastructure serving as a water source, irrigation system, and flood control facility for the region. Originally built between 1984 and 1986, the dam collapsed on September 10, 2024, due to severe flooding, displacing thousands and disrupting agriculture and water supply.
Following the disaster, President Bola Tinubu approved an N80 billion intervention fund. This decision was based on recommendations from a high-powered technical committee, led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, which was tasked with assessing dam infrastructure nationwide. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday at Alau, Utsev emphasised that the reconstruction and upgrade of the dam would directly enhance water supply, flood control, and agricultural productivity in Borno state.
The minister explained that before its collapse, the Alau Dam played a pivotal role in providing irrigation for thousands of hectares of farmland and supplying potable water to Maiduguri and its environs. He noted that decades of neglect, climate change impacts, and increased demand had weakened its capacity. The minister further disclosed that the reconstruction would be executed in two phases over 24 months, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
Utsev assured that the project would be executed transparently, with strict adherence to quality and safety standards. In his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum lauded the Federal Government’s swift intervention, describing the reconstruction as a major step towards rebuilding lives, boosting the local economy, and ensuring long-term food security. He further commended President Tinubu’s administration for its post-flood relief interventions, including the deployment of 200 trucks of food grains.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the importance of expanding irrigation facilities alongside the dam reconstruction to enhance dry-season farming and boost food production. He called on the Ministry of Water Resources to incorporate irrigation infrastructure into the project, adding that his ministry was ready to partner with the Borno government to support farmers in utilising the fertile land surrounding Alau Dam.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew top dignitaries, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Sen. Ken Emeka and Sen. Sada Soli, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Water and Sanitation. Others in attendance included Sen. Kaka Shehu, representing Borno Central; the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi; and other top government officials.