The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has affirmed the structural integrity and optimal performance of the Dadin-Kowa Dam, dispelling recent fears about the dam’s condition.

Recall that the Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Abubakar Yelwa, had raised the alarm that Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe State is on the verge of collapse and requires urgent action to avert a looming disaster.

However, Prof. Utsev, during a high-level inspection of the site along with the Minister of State for Water Resources, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, and a team of experts, assured that the dam remains a vital asset for power generation, irrigation, and water supply in the region.

Addressing concerns, Prof. Utsev said that the Dadin-Kowa Dam undergoes stringent daily monitoring and routine inspections to ensure its continued safety.

“There is no threat to the dam’s functionality,” he declared, adding that all key components, including the spillway and penstock, are functioning perfectly.

He encouraged the public to disregard unfounded rumours, assuring that any updates concerning water infrastructure projects will be promptly communicated.

Prof. Utsev also said the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to improving water infrastructure across Nigeria.

He cited the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMMING) project, which is currently enhancing irrigation systems, and the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, aimed at boosting power generation and irrigation nationwide.

Backing Prof. Utsev’s statements, Rt. Hon. Goronyo stressed the importance of accurate information, calling for caution against the spread of misinformation.

“Safeguarding our national assets remains a priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

Engr. Caleb Tyowuah, Acting Managing Director of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, confirmed that the dam, with a live storage capacity of 1.77 million cubic metres, remains in perfect condition.

He noted that 2,100 hectares of land are currently irrigated from the dam, with plans to expand this to 30,000 hectares.

Additionally, the dam generates 40 megawatts of electricity, powering surrounding communities.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, said that the inspection team included senior officials from the ministry, water resources experts, and technical engineers, all of whom reaffirmed that the dam is fully operational and plays a crucial role in food production, job creation, and economic growth in the region.