Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar, have appealed to the federal government to expedite rehabilitation work on the Alau Dam to prevent another devastating flood disaster in the state.
The plea was made during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, where the Shehu of Borno raised concerns over the pace of the ongoing project.
In response, Gov. Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to pushing for quicker action, warning that the rainy season has already commenced.
“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,.
“I have informed the president and the vice president, and I will continue to follow up. Meanwhile, the secretary to the state government has set up a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam site,” Gov. Zulum said.
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The Alau Dam, which collapsed in 2024, triggered the worst flooding Maiduguri and nearby communities had experienced in decades.
Following the disaster, the federal government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 2025, but visible progress remains slow.
The Shehu of Borno echoed the urgency, warning that the region could face another catastrophe if swift action is not taken.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat,” the Shehu said.
“The federal government must act immediately.”
He also cited recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a cautionary example and called on the governor to keep engaging the federal authorities on key development issues, including oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity expansion.
Gov. Zulum, in his remarks, pledged to ensure that all local government headquarters are connected to the national power grid before the end of his tenure.
He also promised large-scale road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant becomes operational.
“These are two critical issues dear to me,” he stated. “We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will begin massive road works across the state.”
The governor also thanked the people of Borno State for their continued support and resilience amid security and infrastructural challenges.
