Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) and the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), have raised concerns over the federal government’s failure to commence repairs on the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, warning that another flood disaster could strike as the rainy season begins.
The dam, which collapsed on September 10, 2024, following intense rainfall, led to the flooding of over 70 percent of the state capital.
The flood displaced residents in several communities, including Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and others. Thousands of homes were submerged, with the Shehu of Borno’s palace and government buildings also affected.
The incident also resulted in the death of 80 percent of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, while others escaped from the Museum Park, further endangering residents.
Following the disaster, President Bola Tinubu approved an ₦80 billion intervention fund. The decision was based on recommendations from a high-powered technical committee, led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who was tasked with assessing dam infrastructure nationwide.
The minister disclosed that the reconstruction would be executed in two phases over 24 months, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
“Phase one, which will begin between March and Sept. 2025, will focus on urgent interventions to mitigate flood risks and restore the dam’s basic infrastructure.
“Phase two, which will commence in Oct. 2025 and run until 2027, will focus on comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade, including desilting, structural reinforcements, and expansion of irrigation channels to support sustainable agriculture and water supply,” he said.
Despite promises by the federal government to repair and expand the dam, both CFSF and RDI say no tangible work has begun.
Locals have also expressed frustration, questioning why the original contractor, Mothercat, was bypassed in favour of another firm that started pipeline repairs under the Lagos Street Bridge but later abandoned the project after being mobilised.
Comrade Sani Saba, Executive Director of CFSF, described the situation as a “ticking time bomb.”
“Another disaster may be imminent,” Saba warned. “With the delay in the commencement of repair work, it is clear the federal government is more concerned with optics and media fanfare than with preventing future tragedies.”
He condemned the engagement of what he termed an “incapable contractor” and accused the government of exposing locals to renewed harm.
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of RDI, also expressed concerns, calling the federal government’s approach “lacklustre.”
“We are bewildered at the lack of urgency from the government,” Jakpor said. “Given the scale of last year’s flooding, we should be hearing about progress made. This delay puts lives, livelihoods, and the state’s economy at serious risk. It could also aggravate the already precarious security situation in Maiduguri.”
The groups also noted that many residents in densely populated areas such as Wulari, Mafoni, Kumshe, Hausari, Shehuri North, Shehuri South, and Old Maiduguri still lack access to safe, potable water nearly a year after the disaster.
They are demanding the immediate commencement of repair and expansion works on the Alau Dam and the prosecution of contractors who received funds but failed to deliver.
“Until there is accountability, these alarming lapses will persist,” the groups said. “The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have issued adequate warnings. No serious government should wait for disaster to strike before taking action. We demand urgent and decisive steps.”