President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦80 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Alau Dam in Borno State to mitigate flooding and boost water supply.
Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made the announcement on Tuesday 4th February, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. The project, in collaboration with the Borno State government, is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Utsev emphasized that the first phase, scheduled between February and July 2025, aims to prevent potential flooding in the region. The minister revealed that Alau Dam was identified as the most critical among 35 dams assessed by a federal committee established in 2024.
The committee, led by the Minister of Environment and Sanitation, includes key officials such as the Ministers of Finance, Works, Housing, and Information, alongside the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s efforts to bolster water infrastructure and address environmental concerns in flood-prone regions.