Concerns are mounting over the N231.07 million allocated for the repair of the Alau Dam in Borno State, as citizens and advocacy groups urge the Federal Government to investigate the utilisation of these funds and the ecological funds received by the state.
Between 2018 and 2024, the Nigerian government disbursed N231.07 million to six contractors for the rehabilitation of the Alau Dam1. Despite these efforts, the dam recently collapsed, leading to severe flooding that displaced over 600,000 residents and resulted in the deaths of 259 people. The floodwaters have devastated communities such as Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin in Maiduguri.
The contractors involved in the dam’s repair include S. M. Gudunbali Nigeria Limited, Dalori Construction Nigeria Ltd, Auno Engineering And Construction Services Limited, Kukabam General Merchant Nig Ltd, Hammal And Partner Ltd, and Bulgari Global Link Nig Ltd. Despite the significant funds allocated, the dam’s failure has raised questions about the quality of work and the oversight of these projects.
In addition to the repair funds, the Federal Government has allocated a total of N762 million for the dam’s maintenance over the past 12 years. However, the dam’s persistent issues suggest a lack of effective use of these resources, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the financial management and execution of the repair projects.
During a recent anti-corruption radio programme, Public Conscience, produced by the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG), more Nigerians voiced their demand for accountability. They urged the government to scrutinise the N231.07 million spent on the dam’s repairs and the ecological funds collected by Borno State.
The Alau Dam, constructed in 1986, serves as a crucial irrigation source for farmers in Maiduguri and is a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, a tributary of Lake Chad. The recent collapse, attributed to excessive rainfall, has not only displaced residents but also raised concerns about potential disease outbreaks due to the flooding.
