The Nigerian government has launched the reconstruction of Alau Dam in Borno State, months after its collapse led to severe flooding that killed over 30 people and displaced 400,000 residents in Maiduguri.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved N80 billion on February 4 to rebuild and rehabilitate the structure.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Maiduguri on Saturday, Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. He thanked the president for making the reconstruction possible.
Utsev explained that the project follows recommendations from a technical committee that assessed the condition of dams across Nigeria. The reconstruction will take place over 24 months in two phases.
Phase One (March – September 2025) is immediate intervention to reduce flood risks in Borno State and Phase Two (October 2025 – Completion) is Extensive desilting and structural improvements to ensure the dam’s long-term functionality.
The minister called on Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and residents to support the contractors working on the project.
Governor Zulum, also speaking at the event, described the dam’s reconstruction as a symbol of hope and progress for the people of Borno.
He urged the federal government to consider running both phases of the project simultaneously, emphasizing the importance of desilting in the dam’s restoration.