Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State and the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar El-Kanemi, have jointly called on the Federal Government to expedite the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam. The appeal came during the Shehu’s traditional Sallah homage to the governor at Government House, Maiduguri, where both leaders emphasized the urgency of preventing another catastrophic flooding in Borno. Zulum voiced deep concern over the project’s slow progress, noting the pressing need for action as the rainy season approaches: “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.
The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project. I assure you I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President.
In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam,” Zulum said.
He stressed that accelerating the project is critical to averting a repeat of the 2024 flood disaster that wreaked havoc on Maiduguri and neighboring communities.
The Federal Government had earlier this year allocated N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, an intervention aimed at preventing a recurrence of the dam’s collapse, which previously led to extensive flooding and damages.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March to officially launch the project. Meanwhile, Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to connecting all local government headquarters in the state to the national electricity grid before his administration concludes.