The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that major dam projects across the country are not abandoned, declaring that renewed funding efforts and closer collaboration with state governments and private investors will accelerate their completion and strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.

 

The Director of Dams and reservoir operation , overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dalla, gave the assurance in an interview with The Guardian , where he dismissed widespread claims that strategic dam projects had been abandoned despite years of implementation.

 

According to him, projects such as the Mangu, Ogbese and Farin Ruwa dams are at various stages of completion, with contractors actively working on site and government intensifying efforts to overcome funding and resettlement challenges slowing progress.

 

He disclosed that Mangu Dam has reached between 88 and 90 per cent completion, while construction is also progressing steadily at the Ogbese and Farin Ruwa dams.

 

Dalla explained that Ogbese and Farin Ruwa are designed as multipurpose dams that will provide irrigation, potable water and hydropower, with each expected to contribute about 20 megawatts of electricity upon completion.

 

“These projects are not abandoned. The contractors are on site and work is ongoing. Government is committed to ensuring that they are completed because of their enormous benefits to Nigerians,” he said.

 

He noted that dam construction is naturally capital-intensive and technically complex, explaining that detailed geological investigations sometimes reveal unforeseen conditions requiring redesign or project rescoping to ensure long-term structural integrity.

 

“Sometimes additional investigations reveal issues that were not initially identified. Those have to be addressed to make the structures reliable and able to stand the test of time. That can affect project timelines, but it is necessary,” he explained.

 

The ministry also identified community resettlement as another factor affecting the pace of some projects, stressing that relocating affected populations requires careful planning and provision of new infrastructure before construction can fully proceed.

 

Beyond engineering considerations, Dalla said the Federal Government views the dams as critical infrastructure for achieving national food security.

 

He said the projects would expand irrigation for dry-season farming, improve access to potable water, support fisheries, stimulate economic activities in host communities and increase electricity generation.

 

“Mr. President has identified food security as a national priority and has given it the desired attention. These projects are part of that vision, and we are working seriously towards completing them,” he said.

 

To fast-track implementation, Dalla disclosed that the ministry is complementing annual budgetary allocations with alternative financing sources, including support from development partners, Sukuk financing and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

 

According to him, mobilising multiple funding sources will help ensure that strategic water infrastructure projects are completed more quickly despite fiscal constraints.

 

On concerns over accountability in project execution, the ministry maintained that contractors are paid strictly according to verified work completed on site.

 

Dalla explained that independent consultants monitor construction activities, verify interim certificates submitted by contractors and ensure that every payment reflects actual work executed.

 

“We do not pay contractors arbitrarily. Every certificate is verified by consultants on site, and payments are made only for work that has actually been completed. Our priority is not just spending money but ensuring quality infrastructure that will serve Nigerians for decades,” he said.

 

Using the Otukpo water project as an example, he stated that about 65 per cent of the work has been completed and that payments made so far are commensurate with the level of execution.

 

The ministry expressed confidence that, with sustained funding, stronger partnerships and continued supervision, the ongoing dam projects will significantly expand irrigation, improve water supply, enhance electricity generation and support Nigeria’s long-term agricultural and economic development.