The Federal Government has officially commenced the reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to the details of the reconstruction, the dam would cost an estimated N80 billion to enhance water security, control flooding, and drive economic growth in the region.
The project which was flagged off by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians.
The Alau Dam suffered damage during the devastating floods of September 10, 2024 when part of the city and surrounding communities were submerged.
In response, President Tinubu approved the N80 billion funding following a comprehensive assessment by a high-powered technical committee on dam evaluation.
Speaking at the project’s launch, Prof. Utsev reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to expedite the reconstruction to prevent a recurrence of last year’s disaster.
“This project is not just about repairing infrastructure; it is about restoring hope, security, and prosperity to the people of Borno State,” he said. “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will provide full support to ensure that this project is executed efficiently and in line with global standards of quality and sustainability.”
The project, which is expected to be completed in 24 months, is divided into two key phases.
The first phase which is scheduled to start this month of March will be completed by September of this year. It will focus on immediate interventions to mitigate flood risks, including the strengthening of embankments and the installation of emergency spillways.
The second phase which is set to run from October 2025 to March 2027, will involve extensive desilting, structural enhancements, and the implementation of advanced water management systems to ensure long-term resilience.
Speaking on the details of the project, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the ministry, Ali Dallah, said key components include the merging of Dykes 1A and 1B into a single dam with a new auxiliary spillway, the construction of a modern intake structure, the expansion of penstock pipes, and the rehabilitation of Dykes 1C, 2, and 3.
Also, the project will replace outdated control gates and introduce comprehensive safety management and training programs for local engineers and operators.
