Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Dr. 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 last year’s devastating floods.
The dam, which nearly submerged Maiduguri and surrounding areas in 2024 after its collapse, was allocated N80 billion for reconstruction. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in March 2025. However, Governor Zulum expressed concern during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House, Maiduguri, citing slow progress as the rainy season begins.
“Despite the groundbreaking, work is not moving as expected. I have raised this with the President and the Vice President, and the Secretary to the State Government has formed a committee for immediate intervention at the dam,” he said.
The governor also promised to connect all local government headquarters to the national grid and rehabilitate roads once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
“These are critical issues. All headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure ends, Insha Allah. With 40 new tipper trucks and the quarry plant nearing completion, we will begin extensive road rehabilitation,” Zulum added.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno stressed the urgency of the dam repairs, warning against a repeat of the 2024 flood. He highlighted the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a cautionary tale.
“The Federal Government must act now to prevent another disaster,” the Shehu urged, also calling for updates on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity supply for local governments.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received Sallah homage from delegations representing the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, and various teaching hospitals. The governor thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation.
