….. urges contractors and engineers to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety of environmental stewardship
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially commenced the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The landmark project underscores the administration’s commitment to improving water infrastructure, enhancing flood control, and fostering economic growth in the region.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the government’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
A statement signed on Saturday by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, disclosed that the project was necessitated by the devastating flood of September 10, 2024, which affected Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
Following a comprehensive assessment by a high-powered technical committee, President Tinubu approved ₦80 billion for the full reconstruction and upgrade of the dam. The project will be executed in two phases over 24 months:
Phase One (March 2025 – September 2025): Immediate flood mitigation interventions.
Phase Two (October 2025 – March 2027): Extensive desilting and structural enhancements to ensure long-term resilience.
Prof. Utsev assured the people of Borno State that the Ministry would provide full support for the project’s execution.
He urged contractors and engineers to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental stewardship, stressing the dam’s role in restoring hope and security in the region.
He further described the Alau Dam project as a symbol of resilience and progress, calling on all stakeholders to remain committed to its success. The Minister also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Abubakar Kyari for their contributions to making the project a reality.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritizing Borno State’s needs. He highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the upgraded dam, including potable water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
“This project is not just about repairing a physical structure but revitalizing hope and prosperity for our people. It reflects the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to Borno State—not just in infrastructure but in restoring livelihoods and dignity to our citizens,” Governor Zulum remarked.
He assured the Federal Government of the state’s full support in ensuring smooth execution and urged that both phases be implemented concurrently to expedite the desilting of critical waterways.
Providing technical insights, Engr. Ali Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the Ministry, detailed the scope of work, which includes:
Reconstruction of dykes 1A and 1B as a single dam with a new auxiliary spillway.
Construction of a new intake structure and expansion of penstock pipes for multiple uses.
Rehabilitation of dykes 1C, 2, and 3, along with the replacement of control gates.
Comprehensive safety management and training programs.
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Goodwill messages were delivered by 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 gratitude to President Tinubu for approving funds for the project and commended Minister Utsev, Governor Zulum, National Assembly members, the Shehu of Borno, engineers, and project consultants for their collaboration and support.
The ceremony concluded with the official flag-off by Prof. Utsev, alongside distinguished guests, contractors, engineers, community leaders, and residents.
