The Managing Director of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Alhaji Abubakar Malam, has assured that Goronyo Dam remains safe, with water release strictly in line with the authority’s approved guidelines.
Malam gave the assurance on Saturday, August 23, 2025, while briefing newsmen after conducting a routine inspection of the facilities and water passages at the dam, located in Sokoto State.
He explained that, following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of heavy rainfall this year, some residents had expressed fears of possible water spillage.
“We affirm that SRRBDA technical team will strictly abide by the action plan designed on release of water each month.
” It is pertinent to inform the general public that level of siltation of downstream sector of River Rima occasioned by human activities and climate change had drastically affects dam’s ability to discharge appropriate volume of water.
“I want assure members of public especially farmers, fishermen, canoe operators, states water boards and others that there is no cause for alerm with regard to daily release of water, ” he said.
He reassured that the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was on right track providing needed impetus for sustainable agricultural production and economic growth through various initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and job opportunities for Nigerians.
While Malam appreciated the support of stakeholders in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states, he assured of continued improved service provisions in accordance with SRRBDA mandates.
He recalled that Federal Government delegation had inspected the dam’s condition after the Alu Dam’s incident in Borno state.
Malam added that Goronyo Dam’s embankments, spillways, passages and other facilities were still intact without any threats to lives and properties.
The Goronyo Dam project was initiated during the military administration of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, executed under the late President Shehu Shagari, and completed in 1984 when it began operation.
The dam has total capacity of 942 million cubic meters managed by SRRBDA.
By Habibu Harisu