KEY POINTS
- The government is committed to maximizing dam use for irrigation and flood control.
- Shagari Dam in Sokoto is in good condition and safe for use.
- Nationwide evaluations are underway to enhance dam maintenance and prevent flooding.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maximizing the use of dams for irrigation and flood control across Nigeria. During a recent evaluation visit to Shagari Dam in Sokoto State, Terlumun emphasized the importance of maintaining and upgrading the country’s dams to ensure their long-term benefits. This visit was part of a broader review of dams nationwide, following recent flooding incidents that have affected several parts of the country.
According to The Punch, President Bola Tinubu established an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Dam Evaluation in response to the flooding, particularly in Maiduguri, Borno State. The committee, chaired by the Minister of Water Resources, comprises key representatives from various ministries, including Environment, Housing, Works, Finance, Budget and National Planning, and Information and National Orientation. The committee’s objective is to evaluate the condition of dams across Nigeria and explore ways to enhance their use for flood prevention and agricultural irrigation.
Shagari Dam in Sokoto deemed safe, calls for more investment
Represented by Oluwatosin Abiola, the Deputy Director of Dams and Reservoirs at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Terlumun stated that while many of Nigeria’s dams are aging and require maintenance, Shagari Dam remains in good condition. The dam, with a capacity of 15 million cubic meters, has been assessed as structurally sound based on its water reserves, embankments, spillways, and irrigable areas.
Abiola highlighted that increased investment in dam construction and maintenance is essential for Nigeria to fully harness its water resources. “Our visit to Shagari Dam and other dams is aimed at ensuring that they are safe for flood control and that they can be used to their full potential to support the agricultural sector,” Abiola said.
Currently, Shagari Dam is irrigating 240 hectares of land, with plans to expand this to 1,000 hectares. The project has achieved 70% completion, and the dam plays a critical role in supporting local agriculture.
Nationwide dam evaluations aim to enhance irrigation and prevent flooding
The technical committee, chaired by the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, was tasked with visiting various dams nationwide to assess their conditions and evaluate their safety. The aim is to determine how these dams can be better utilized for flood control and economic benefits, particularly for agricultural irrigation. The committee’s findings will be submitted to the main committee for review, and further action will be taken to ensure each dam is fully optimized.
The Sokoto Rima Basin Development Authority’s Managing Director, Buhari Bature, praised the initiative and highlighted the economic benefits Shagari Dam brings to local communities. He commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, noting that the dam’s potential would further support local development efforts.
