President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for N80 billion to be allocated for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Alau Dam in Borno State.
Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, announced this on Tuesday following the second Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Utsev explained that the Borno State government is collaborating with the federal government to initiate the project, which is scheduled for completion within the next 24 months.
He highlighted the importance of adhering to the timeline to prevent flooding in Borno State in 2025, noting that the first phase of the dam’s rehabilitation is set to begin between February and July 2025.
“I reported on the committee established on 23rd September 2024 to evaluate dams across Nigeria. This committee was inaugurated on 2nd October 2024.
“President Tinubu approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Alau Dam in Borno State, pending ratification by the FEC while all due processes are followed.
“The Borno State government is working closely with us to commence the project by July 2025. The first phase will be implemented to ensure that flooding does not occur in Borno State in 2025. The project will take place over the next 24 months,” the minister added.
Utsev previously reported that the committee has assessed 35 dams since its inception and identified Alau Dam as the most critical and urgent for reconstruction.
It is noteworthy that the FEC had sanctioned the formation of a committee to reassess the integrity of Alau Dam and other dams nationwide.
The committee is led by the Minister of Environment and Sanitation and includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Additional members include the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; among others.
