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By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Alau Dam in Borno State.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, made the disclosure after the second Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Utsev said the Borno State government is partnering with the Federal government to kickstart the project, which will be carried out over the next 24 months.
He added that the first component of the rehabilitation of the dam will be completed between February and July 2025.
“The essence is to ensure that flooding does not occur in Borno State this year. I gave a report on the committee constituted on 23rd September 2024, which evaluated dams in Nigeria. The committee was inaugurated on 2nd October 2024.
“President Tinubu gave approval for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Alau Dam in Borno State, valued at N80 billion. This approval is awaiting ratification by FEC, while due process is being observed. The Borno State government is working together to kickstart the project, and by July 2025, the first component will be established to ensure flooding does not occur in Borno State in 2025. The entire project will be completed in the next 24 months,” he added.
Utsev earlier disclosed that the committee assessed 35 dams after its inauguration and identified Alau Dam as the most critical and urgent for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
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It is recalled that FEC approved the establishment of a committee to reassess the integrity of Alau Dam and other dams across the country. The committee is led by the Minister of Environment and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, and includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured that President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results and will significantly boost the country’s economic recovery in 2025.
Idris described the new year as a “year of consolidation” for the government’s sweeping reforms aimed at revitalising key sectors.
He highlighted that these reforms are designed to translate into tangible benefits for citizens, such as job creation and improved living standards. “The economy is beginning to turn the corner,” Idris stated, expressing optimism that the policies implemented this year will start bearing fruit by the end of 2025.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by Nigerians due to reforms—particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and adjustments in foreign exchange rates—Idris urged citizens to remain hopeful. He reassured them that the “Renewed Hope” agenda is on track and that short-term difficulties are a necessary part of the transition toward long-term growth.
During the recent council meetings, 67 memos were reviewed, with many receiving thorough consideration. Idris noted that approved projects are strategically aimed at addressing infrastructure needs while also providing immediate employment opportunities for daily wage earners. He stressed the importance of involving local workers in construction projects to ensure widespread participation in rebuilding efforts.
As Nigeria navigates these transformative changes, Idris remains confident that the government’s commitment will lead to a more prosperous future for all citizens.
