George George Idowu
The Federal Government through the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has assured Nigerians that the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe State is in excellent condition, dismissing any concerns regarding its stability or functionality.
Prof. Utsev reaffirmed the dam’s safety alongside the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, and a team of water experts.
This he disclosed during an inspection visit to the site on Wednesday.
Addressing recent public concerns, Prof. Utsev emphasized that the dam undergoes rigorous daily monitoring and regular inspections to ensure its continued performance.
“There is no threat to the integrity of the Dadin-Kowa Dam. All critical infrastructure, including the spillway and penstock, are fully operational, supporting hydropower generation, irrigation, and water supply,” he said.
He also highlighted the dam’s key role in the ongoing Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMMING) Project and the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project, both of which aim to enhance dam safety, improve irrigation systems, and boost power generation across the nation.
During his remarks, the Minister reassured the public of the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s water infrastructure, urging citizens to dismiss rumours about the dam’s condition.
“We are dedicated to providing accurate and timely updates on all water infrastructure projects and will continue to focus on boosting food production, job creation, and economic growth,” he said.
In agreement with the minister, Goronyo emphasized the importance of relying on expert advice and factual information to prevent misinformation.
He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to protecting critical national assets, in line with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Supporting these assurances, Engr. Caleb Tyowuah, Acting Managing Director of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, stated that the dam’s live storage capacity of 1.77 million cubic meters is intact, and it currently irrigates 2,100 hectares of land out of the planned 30,000 hectares, while generating 40 megawatts of electricity.
Mr. Jayaharan Paul, Project Manager of Mabon Energy Limited, which operates the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Plant, also affirmed that the dam is in excellent condition and continues to make a significant contribution to the region’s energy supply.
The inspection tour was attended by key officials, including the Director General of NIHSA, Hon. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, alongside senior ministry officials, managing directors of river basin authorities, water resources experts, and technical engineers.