The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing upgrade of the Alau Dam in Borno State, with full completion targeted for March 2027. Located on the Ngadda River near Maiduguri, the dam—originally built in the 1980s to supply potable water—is now undergoing a comprehensive upgrade under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The project aims to reposition the dam as a multi-purpose infrastructure asset, serving as a source of drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and future hydro-electric power generation.
The project is backed by an N80 billion federal allocation. According to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the upgrade is being executed in two phases. Phase one, expected to end by September 2025, focuses on structural improvements to prevent flooding during the rainy season. Phase two, beginning in October 2025, will complete the full reconstruction by March 2027.
Upon completion, the dam will enhance water supply to Maiduguri and surrounding areas, expand irrigation capacity to support Borno’s agriculture sector, and lay the foundation for future power generation. The initiative aligns with national goals for food security, water access, and clean energy development. The minister also called on local farmers to avoid farming on the embankment during construction and urged residents to remain calm about potential flooding, emphasizing safety measures in place.
