Details on the Govspend website show that the Nigerian government, led by Bola Tinubu, recorded an expenditure of N171 million for the rehabilitation of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno State.
The government disclosed that N26 million was spent on rehabilitation work at the dam in July 2024. Payments totalling N171 million were made between June 2023 and July 2024.
On June 4, N23.4 million was paid for the dam’s rehabilitation. Further review revealed that on September 20, N122.4 million was spent on the same project.
The contract was awarded to Hammal and Partners Limited. An additional N26 million was disbursed for rehabilitation works on July 29, 2024, just over a month before the flooding that has now caused significant destruction of property and assets in Borno State.
SaharaReporters noted that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed over 200,000 people were displaced, with an unspecified number, including children, still missing.
Many properties, including houses, farmlands, and businesses, have been destroyed.
Residential and commercial areas, such as the popular Monday Market, thousands of homes, and landmarks like the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, along with Shehuri, Gwange, Adamkolo, Gamboru, Fori, Bulabulin, Post Office areas, Moromoro, and Customs Bridge, were also affected
Some residents, speaking to SaharaReporters earlier, confirmed that widespread flooding had submerged numerous homes, major roads, and official buildings, including the Emir’s palace.
The Alau Dam, which supports irrigation and provides tap water to Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Area, showed signs of distress earlier in September, leading to damage in nearby farmlands and communities.
Despite this, the government’s response was insufficient, leaving residents with false assurances that the situation was under control.
At least 30 people have been reported dead as a result of the incidents.