Tinubu Approves N80 Billion for Urgent Reconstruction of Alau Dam
President Bola Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the immediate reconstruction and expansion of Alau Dam in Borno State, following its collapse in 2024, which led to severe flooding, the loss of over 150 lives, and the displacement of at least 419,000 people.
The dam, originally built between 1984 and 1986, sits in the Alau community of Konduga Local Government Area and serves as a key reservoir on the Ngadda River, a tributary of Lake Chad.
The approval was announced by Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Tinubu in Abuja. The decision follows the submission of an interim report by a Ministerial Committee set up in September 2024 to assess dams across Nigeria.
According to Prof. Utsev, the committee, which includes ministers of finance, environment, works, information, and the National Security Adviser, evaluated 35 dams nationwide and highlighted urgent challenges, particularly in flood control.
“The committee reviewed the situation at Alau Dam and presented its findings to Mr. President, who approved N80 billion for its reconstruction and expansion,” Utsev stated.
The project, led by the Borno State Government in collaboration with the National Security Advisory Office, is set to begin immediately. The first phase is expected to be completed by July 2025, aiming to prevent future flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding areas. Additional components, including desilting, will commence by December 2025, with the entire project scheduled to last 24 months.