Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, have jointly called on the Federal Government to accelerate ongoing rehabilitation work on the Alau Dam to avert another flood disaster in the state.
The appeal came during the traditional Sallah homage by the Shehu to the Government House in Maiduguri, where he expressed serious concern over the slow pace of the critical infrastructure project.
Governor Zulum acknowledged the concerns, emphasizing that the rainy season had already begun and time was running out.
“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 will continue to follow up. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government has set up a committee for immediate intervention at the dam site,” Zulum said
The Alau Dam, which collapsed in 2024, caused one of the worst flood disasters in Maiduguri and surrounding communities in recent history. In response, the Federal Government allocated N80 billion for its reconstruction, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025. However, tangible progress has been limited.
The Shehu of Borno echoed the governor’s concern, warning of a potential repeat of the September 10, 2024 catastrophe if action is not taken swiftly. “We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri and we do not want a repeat,” he said. “The Federal Government must act immediately.”
The monarch also urged continued engagement with federal authorities on broader development issues, including oil exploration in Tuba, road infrastructure, and electricity expansion.
In his address, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to connecting all local government headquarters in Borno to the national electricity grid before the end of his administration. He also pledged to commence extensive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant becomes fully operational.
“These are two critical issues dear to me,” Zulum stated. “We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry is up and running, we will begin large-scale road works across the state.”
The governor concluded by commending the people of Borno for their resilience and continued support in the face of ongoing security and development challenges.