The Kaduna State Government has dismissed reports alleging an “imminent collapse” of Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of the state, describing the claim as misleading and not reflective of the dam’s current condition.
The government, in a clarification issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, said it was aware of concerns generated by the recent flood advisory issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for Kaduna and other states. It, however, urged residents to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic.
According to the statement, the structural concerns being circulated on social media were first observed around 2015/2016, following ageing of the dam and pressure from heavy rainfall.
It said the issues were subsequently addressed through emergency remedial works carried out by the Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure to stabilise the structure and ensure public safety.
The government said Kangimi Dam had, over the years, remained under routine monitoring and minimal maintenance by the ministry, stressing that there was currently no evidence of active structural failure.
It added that the dam remained intact and was still performing its intended function.
It further disclosed that the state government was currently procuring and planning the installation of modern safety equipment at the facility.
The equipment, according to the statement, would include automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems capable of providing 24-hour monitoring.
The government also announced plans for a joint technical inspection of the dam by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government.
The inspection is scheduled to take place this month, August 2026, while the budgetary process for the full rehabilitation of the dam and installation of additional safety equipment is ongoing.
As part of measures to safeguard communities downstream, the state government said community sensitisation was being carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA).
It urged media organisations and advocacy groups to verify information with the relevant state ministries before publishing reports on the condition of the dam.
The government called on residents living downstream of Kangimi Dam to remain calm but vigilant and report any unusual observations to the nearest authorities.
It said while the NiMet warning was being taken seriously, portraying the dam as being on the verge of collapse based on old information was inaccurate, stressing that prevention remained better than cure but that public information must be guided by facts.