Tinubu Allocates ₦80 Billion for Alau Dam Expansion in Borno
President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned ₦80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam in Borno State, a strategic move aimed at boosting water supply and addressing flood-related concerns.
This approval was disclosed by Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources, during a press briefing following the second Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of the year. Utsev, who also chairs the inter-ministerial committee on dams, emphasized that while the project has received presidential approval, it awaits formal ratification by FEC.
Federal Committee to Oversee Dam Rehabilitation
The inter-ministerial committee on dams was inaugurated on October 2, 2024, with a mandate to evaluate and improve dam infrastructure across the country. Its members include representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Environment, Works, and Information, as well as the National Security Adviser.
To ensure expert evaluation, a sub-committee was formed, integrating professionals from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Council of Dams Experts in Nigeria. So far, the committee has assessed 35 dams, with an interim report already presented to FEC.
Urgency of Alau Dam Reconstruction
During the briefing, Prof. Utsev stressed the importance of rehabilitating Alau Dam, citing the challenges posed by flooding on September 10, 2024. The assessment of the remaining 34 dams is ongoing and will be presented in subsequent FEC meetings.
“The Alau Dam is a critical infrastructure that requires urgent intervention. We are collaborating with the Borno State government to commence reconstruction immediately. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion by July, while desilting activities will commence in December,” Utsev explained.
The entire project is expected to take 24 months to complete, aiming to enhance water resource management, irrigation, and flood prevention in the region.
Stay updated on more infrastructure developments in Nigeria as the government continues its commitment to improving critical facilities nationwide.
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