Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, have called on the Federal Government to expedite the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to prevent a recurrence of the devastating 2024 floods.
The appeal was made during the Shehu’s traditional Sallah homage to the governor at the Government House in Maiduguri on Saturday.
Governor Zulum expressed concern over the slow progress of the dam project, warning that with the rainy season already underway, urgent intervention was needed to avert another disaster.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, which we all attended, the truth is that work has not progressed as expected,” Zulum said. “During my last visit to the President, I informed him of the real situation. I also briefed the Vice President and will continue to follow up.”
To address the immediate threat of flooding, Zulum said a state-level emergency committee had been set up pending federal response.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government approved ₦80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam after its collapse led to extensive flooding across Maiduguri and neighboring areas. The official groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place in March.
Beyond the dam, Zulum assured that his administration remained committed to completing other critical infrastructure projects. He pledged to ensure that all local government headquarters in the state are connected to the national electricity grid before the end of his tenure.
“These are two key priorities for me,” he said. “Insha Allah, all LGAs will have electricity before I leave office.”
He also announced plans for large-scale road rehabilitation across the state once the Pulka Quarry plant becomes operational.
“We’ve already procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks. As soon as the quarry plant is ready, we’ll commence major road repairs across the state,” the governor added.
Speaking at the event, the Shehu of Borno also stressed the urgency of the Alau Dam project. He warned that the first phase should have been completed by now and referenced last year’s devastating flood on September 10 as a wake-up call.
“We cannot afford another tragedy like what we experienced in Maiduguri last year. The Federal Government must act without delay,” he said.
The royal father also cited recent flooding in Mokwa as a warning sign and urged Governor Zulum to continue pushing for federal attention on other pressing issues, including oil exploration in Tuba, road infrastructure, and access to electricity.
