Kaduna Govt Dismisses Kangimi Dam Collapse Rumour, Says Facility Is Safe

The Kaduna State Government has rejected reports that the Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area is at risk of collapse, assuring residents that the facility remains intact, operational and safe.

The clarification follows concerns raised after images showing structural defects at the dam circulated on social media, with fears heightened by a recent flood advisory issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for Kaduna and nine other states.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, said on Thursday that the flood warning does not indicate any threat to the structural integrity of Kangimi Dam.

He explained that the concerns visible in the circulating images were not recent. According to him, they were first identified around 2015/2016 and linked to ageing of the structure and pressure associated with heavy rainfall.

Na Abdu said the state government responded at the time with emergency remedial works aimed at stabilising the dam and protecting communities around it. He added that the facility has remained under routine monitoring and maintenance since then.

The ministry said there is currently “no evidence of active structural failure”, stressing that Kangimi Dam remains intact and continues to perform its intended function. It added that precautionary measures are being taken to further strengthen the structure and improve its safety systems.

As part of the measures, the government is procuring automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems. The equipment is expected to support continuous monitoring of water levels and provide faster warnings if any safety concern emerges.

The Kaduna Government urged residents to disregard claims that the dam is about to collapse, while assuring communities around the facility that authorities remain focused on maintaining its safety and protecting lives and property.