FG APPROVES MAJOR DAM REHABILITATION PROJECTS TO BOLSTER FOOD SECURITY AND PREVENT FLOODING 06-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a series of critical ecological and irrigation infrastructure projects aimed at preventing future flooding disasters and boosting agricultural productivity across the country.
The approvals, according to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, include the rehabilitation and expansion of major dams and irrigation schemes, some of which date back to as far as 1974.
She emphasised the urgent need for structural reinforcement and ecological remediation to prevent recurring environmental hazards.
“You may be aware that some of the dams were constructed as far back as 1974. So ecological remediation to sustain structural integrity and prevent flooding disasters is one of the reasons why these dams require urgent repairs”, the Permanent Secretary said.
Dr. Umobong said three major contracts were awarded at the meeting, the first of which was the rehabilitation and expansion of the Tiga Dam, under the Kano River Irrigation Project, awarded at about 12 billion Naira.
Others were the Challawa Gorge Dam’s irrigation scheme, which will cost over 7 billion Naira, and the rehabilitation of the Kafin Chiri Irrigation Project, valued at over 7 billion Naira.
She explained that the projects had fallen in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security and economic empowerment through sustainable agriculture.
“This intervention will positively impact 30,000 farm families, 50,000 acres of arable agricultural land, and it will enable three annual farming cycles through irrigation.
“This will also generate over 300,000 employment opportunities”, she added.
Dr. Umobong said in addition to irrigation support, the projects also included erosion control works, watershed management across 16 local governments in Kano and senatorial districts, and extensive ecological remediation to restore and reinforce affected areas.
She said a major component of the ecological intervention would also address the Alao Dam in Maiduguri.
“The dam, which contributed to severe flooding in Maiduguri last year, will undergo repairs as part of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ broader water management strategy.
“You may recall that this dam caused the flooding in Maiduguri last year. So this contract has been awarded to prevent such an occurrence this year”, the Permanent Secretary said.