President Bola Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam in Borno State, pending ratification by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, confirmed this after the second FEC meeting of the year on Tuesday. Utsev, who also chairs the inter-ministerial committee on dams, said the committee was established in September 2024 to assess dams nationwide and recommend improvements.
According to Utsev, the committee—comprising ministers of finance, environment, works, information, and the National Security Adviser—has assessed 35 dams so far, with Alau Dam identified as a priority due to flooding concerns recorded on Sept. 10, 2024.
“The interim report was presented to FEC today. The Alau Dam is critical, and we are working with the Borno government to commence rehabilitation immediately,” he said.
A sub-committee, which includes experts from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, and the Council of Dams Experts, will oversee the project.
Utsev stated that the first phase of the expansion is expected to be completed before July, while full project completion is scheduled within 24 months. Desilting operations will commence in December.
