The Alau dam, originally built between 1984 and 1986, collapsed on September 10, 2024, following severe flooding, displacing thousands and disrupting water supply and agricultural activities. The disaster also triggered devastating floods in Maiduguri, killing over 30 people and displacing 400,000 residents.
Maiduguri, Nigeria – The Federal Government has commenced the N80 billion reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam in Borno State, a key infrastructure for water supply, irrigation, and flood control in the region.
The Alau dam, originally built between 1984 and 1986, collapsed on September 10, 2024, following severe flooding, displacing thousands and disrupting water supply and agricultural activities. The disaster also triggered devastating floods in Maiduguri, killing over 30 people and displacing 400,000 residents.
In response, President Bola Tinubu approved an N80 billion intervention fund for its reconstruction, with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) giving formal approval on February 4, 2025.
Reconstruction Plan
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday in Alau, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized that the project was a direct response to the 2024 flood disaster and a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians, particularly in Borno State.
According to Utsev, the dam’s collapse was due to decades of neglect, climate change impacts, and increasing water demand. The reconstruction will be executed in two phases over 24 months.
Phase one, from March to September 2025, will focus on immediate interventions to mitigate flood risks and restore basic infrastructure. Phase two, running from October 2025 to 2027, will involve comprehensive rehabilitation, including desilting, structural reinforcements, and expanding irrigation channels to boost agriculture and water supply.
The minister assured that the project would be executed transparently, with strict adherence to quality and safety standards.
Governor Zulum Calls for Concurrent Execution
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum commended the Federal Government’s swift intervention, describing the reconstruction as crucial for rebuilding lives, boosting the local economy, and ensuring long-term food security.
He emphasized the dam’s significance to farmers, herders, and households, calling for both phases to be executed concurrently to expedite the restoration process.
“I want to appeal to the Honourable Minister to consider executing both phases concurrently, especially to clear the silting and restore the full functionality of the dam,” Zulum said.
The governor also praised President Tinubu’s post-flood relief efforts, including the deployment of 200 trucks of food grains to affected communities.
Additionally, Zulum announced the approval of a primary school and hospital for the Alau community as part of broader development efforts.
Call for Irrigation Expansion
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, also spoke at the event, stressing the need to incorporate irrigation infrastructure into the project to enhance dry-season farming and boost food production.
He assured that his ministry was ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Borno State government to support farmers in maximizing the agricultural potential of the dam.
The Federal Government urged residents of Alau and neighboring communities to cooperate with contractors to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
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