Kaduna govt debunks Kangimi Dam collapse, assures residents of safety

The Kaduna State Government has allayed fears over reports of an imminent collapse of Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of the state, saying the facility remains intact and functional.

The government described photographs and claims circulating on social media as outdated, saying they relate to structural concerns identified at the dam around 2015/2016.

The Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, who made this known in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, said there was no evidence of active structural failure at the dam, which he said had continued to undergo routine monitoring.

Na Abdu added that the earlier concerns were associated with structural pressure resulting from ageing infrastructure and heavy rainfall.

He noted that emergency remedial works were subsequently undertaken by the ministry to stabilise the structure and address identified concerns.

The permanent secretary said: “Describing Kangimi Dam as being on the verge of collapse based on 2015/2016 data is misleading and not reflective of present conditions.

“There is no evidence of active structural failure. The dam is currently intact and performing its function.”

The clarification came against the backdrop of growing concerns over flooding following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) advisory listing Kaduna among states at risk of flooding.

Na Abdu warned residents against linking the flood advisory with claims that Kangimi Dam was at the risk of imminent collapse.

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Na Abdu, however, acknowledged the need to strengthen safety and monitoring systems at the facility, particularly in view of increasing extreme weather events and risks associated with heavy rainfall.

He added that modern safety equipment, including automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems, were procured to facilitate round-the-clock monitoring of the dam.

Na Abdu also announced plans for a joint technical inspection of the facility by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government in August.

The inspection, Na Abdu said, would provide updated assessment of the dam and determine the scope of additional rehabilitation required.

He urged communities downstream of the dam to remain vigilant and report any unusual observations to the appropriate authorities.