Hope as FG Moves to Fast-Track Dasin Hausa Dam

Coastal communities in Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, and other river basin areas are set to receive much-needed relief as the Federal Government takes decisive steps to accelerate the construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State. The project, long delayed due to funding and logistical challenges, is designed to serve as a buffer against the devastating floods caused by the periodic release of excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam. For decades, communities along the Benue River have faced recurring destruction of homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure during the rainy season. Each year, the release of water from Lagdo Dam in northern Cameroon triggers severe flooding, displacing thousands of residents and crippling local economies. The completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam is expected to drastically mitigate this threat by controlling water flow and storing excess water safely. Government officials have confirmed that efforts are now underway to fast-track the dam’s construction through renewed funding commitments, contractor mobilization, and inter-agency coordination. The project is being prioritized not only for its flood-control benefits but also for its potential to generate hydroelectric power, support irrigation for large-scale farming, and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Experts note that once completed, the dam will be capable of irrigating vast stretches of farmland in Adamawa and Taraba, boosting food production and enhancing Nigeria’s food security. Additionally, the stored water could be utilized for dry-season farming, fisheries, and other water-based economic activities, creating sustainable livelihoods for residents. Local leaders have welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment, expressing hope that this long-awaited project will finally be delivered. For many residents, the Dasin Hausa Dam represents not just protection from annual disasters but also a chance for lasting socio-economic transformation. In the words of one community elder, “This dam is more than a project; it is our hope for survival and prosperity.” With construction now set to move at a faster pace, the Federal Government’s push to complete the Dasin Hausa Dam could mark a turning point in the fight against devastating floods in Nigeria’s riverine regions.