The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has launched the N80 billion reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The ceremony took place at the Alau Dam site over the weekend, with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighting the project as a key part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Prof. Utsev emphasized that the Alau Dam project underscores the government’s commitment to improving water infrastructure, controlling floods, and stimulating economic growth in the region. He also noted that the devastating flood of September 10, 2024, which impacted Maiduguri and surrounding areas, made the urgent intervention by the Federal Government necessary.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Minister explained that following a thorough assessment by a high-powered Technical Committee on Dam Evaluation in Nigeria, President Tinubu approved the allocation of ₦80 billion for the complete reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam.
The project will be executed in two phases over the span of 24 months. Phase One, focused on immediate flood risk mitigation, will run from March 2025 to September 2025. Phase Two, which includes extensive desilting and structural enhancements for long-term resilience, will be carried out from October 2025 to March 2027.
Prof. Utsev assured the people of Borno State that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation would continue to provide the necessary support for the successful implementation of the project. He urged contractors and engineers involved in the project to maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, stressing the significance of the project in restoring hope and security to Borno State.
The Minister further described the Alau Dam project as a symbol of resilience and progress, encouraging all stakeholders to remain committed to its success. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, for their roles in making the project a reality.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State also spoke at the event, expressing his deep appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritizing the needs of Borno State. He emphasized the socio-economic benefits of the upgraded dam, including providing potable water, enhancing irrigation, controlling floods, and generating hydroelectric power.
“This project signifies not just the repair of a physical structure but the revitalization of hope and prosperity for our people,” Governor Zulum remarked. “This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to Borno State, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in restoring livelihoods and dignity to our citizens.”
Governor Zulum assured the Federal Government of the full support of the Borno State Government in ensuring the smooth execution of the project and appealed for both phases to be executed concurrently, particularly to address the desilting of critical waterways.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the funding for the dam’s reconstruction and upgrade. He also thanked the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Governor Zulum, National Assembly members, the Shehu of Borno, engineers, and project consultants for their dedication and support.
Engr. Ali Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the Ministry, provided technical insights into the scope of the project, which includes the reconstruction of dykes 1A and 1B as a single dam with a new auxiliary spillway, a new intake structure, and expanded penstock pipes. The project will also involve 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 concluded with the official flag-off of the Alau Dam reconstruction and upgrade by Prof. Joseph Utsev, in the presence of distinguished personalities, contractors, engineers, community leaders, and local residents.
