Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, have jointly appealed to the Federal Government to fast-track the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam, warning of the looming threat of another devastating flood in the state.
The appeal was made during the traditional Sallah homage paid by the Shehu to the Governor at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum emphasized the urgency of accelerating the Alau Dam project, citing the slow pace of work and the imminent rainy season.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau Dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Zulum said.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project. I assure you I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President.”
He added that the Secretary to the State Government has already constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam site.
Background: N80bn project approved
Earlier this year, the Federal Government approved ₦80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 2025 to mark the official commencement of the project.
The intervention aims to prevent a repeat of the 2024 flood disaster, which devastated Maiduguri and several surrounding local government areas.
Governor Zulum also reiterated his commitment to connect all local government headquarters to the national electricity grid before the end of his tenure, and begin massive road rehabilitation projects across the state once the Pulka Quarry Plant is completed.
“These are two critical issues dear to me. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah,” the governor said.
“We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks. Once the Pulka Quarry Plant is ready, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation.”
Shehu of Borno Backs the Call
The Shehu of Borno commended the governor’s developmental strides and reaffirmed the need for urgent action on the Alau Dam project.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat. The Federal Government must act immediately,” the royal father warned.
He cited recent flooding in Mokwa as a signal of the urgent action needed. Also, he urged the governor to push for the Federal Government’s attention to oil exploration in Tuba, Road rehabilitation, Electricity connectivity in rural communities and Sallah Homage by Institutions.
Governor Zulum also received Sallah homage from delegations representing the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital and the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare.
The governor thanked the Shehu and the people of Borno for their unwavering support and cooperation with his administration.
