Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has made a renewed appeal to the Federal Government to urgently expedite the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam, stressing the need to avert a recurrence of the devastating floods that ravaged Maiduguri and neighbouring communities in September 2024.
Governor Zulum made the call on Saturday while receiving the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who paid him the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. The visit, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, provided an opportunity for both leaders to raise critical concerns about the state’s flood preparedness ahead of the rainy season.
While addressing the monarch and other dignitaries, Zulum expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of work on the Alau Dam project, warning that the delay could pose grave risks to lives and property if immediate action is not taken.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, which we all witnessed earlier this year, the reality is that the work has not progressed as expected,” the governor lamented. “When I last met with President Bola Tinubu, I presented the true situation of the project to him. I have equally informed the Vice President. I will not relent; I will continue to push for timely action.”
To cushion the effects of any possible delay from the federal side, Zulum disclosed that his administration had set up a state-level committee to initiate urgent interventions aimed at mitigating potential flood threats.
Earlier in the year, the Federal Government approved a sum of N80 billion for the comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam, following its partial collapse, which resulted in catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri and its environs on 10th September 2024. A formal groundbreaking ceremony was conducted in March, but the implementation phase has reportedly lagged behind schedule.
In his commitment to critical infrastructure development, Zulum also reiterated his administration’s resolve to connect all 27 local government headquarters in Borno State to the national electricity grid before the expiration of his tenure.
“These are two major priorities for me, flood control through the Alau Dam and power connectivity across all council areas. By the grace of Allah, all local government headquarters in Borno will be connected to electricity before I leave office,” the governor assured.
He further revealed plans for massive road rehabilitation projects, noting that the completion of the Pulka Quarry plant will mark the beginning of statewide roadworks. He disclosed that 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks had already been procured in readiness for the launch of the initiative.
Speaking during the visit, the Shehu of Borno echoed the governor’s concerns and urged the Federal Government to fast-track work on the dam, particularly the completion of its first phase. He emphasized that the memory of the September 2024 flood disaster remained fresh in the minds of residents and warned that any further delay could lead to another humanitarian crisis.
“We remember vividly the destruction caused by the flooding last year, and the people of Maiduguri cannot afford to go through that ordeal again,” the Shehu stated. “The Federal Government must treat this matter with urgency and responsibility.”
As the rainy season approaches, concerns are mounting in Borno over the state’s readiness to prevent another flood disaster. Both traditional and political leaders appear united in their call for accelerated federal intervention to ensure the timely completion of the Alau Dam project and safeguard the lives of citizens.
