Tinubu approves N16.7bn for urgent reconstruction of Mokwa bridge

President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of ₦16.7 billion for the speedy reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which collapsed in May following heavy floods.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the approval on Saturday in Abakaliki after a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.

According to Idris, the move underscores the administration’s resolve to swiftly address pressing infrastructure challenges and restore critical road networks affected by natural disasters.

“We want to thank Mr. President, and we want to thank the Minister of Works. We jointly discussed this and approached Mr. President, who graciously approved it. It means a lot to the people. It’s ₦16.7 billion to reconstruct the bridge — a 10-span bridge,” Idris said in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.

Idris also praised Umahi for promptly deploying technical teams to assess the bridge’s collapse. According to him, the president’s approval will be “music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State.”

Umahi described Tinubu as “a compassionate and listening leader” determined to tackle citizens’ pressing needs. “The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the minister. He graciously approved because of him,” he said.

The former Ebonyi governor noted that similar infrastructure approvals have been granted across the country, including repairs to bridges in Taraba, Kogi, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Kwara, Edo, and Kebbi States.

The flooding in Mokwa claimed over 150 lives and displaced thousands. According to Niger State officials, at least 1,354 people were directly affected, 4,534 residents forced from their homes, and 265 buildings either destroyed or badly damaged. Several roads and five major bridges were washed away, including the key Goodwill Bridge on the Mokwa-Jaba Road.

During a June visit to the disaster-hit area, Vice President Kashim Shettima — representing President Tinubu — had announced the immediate release of ₦2 billion to rebuild homes damaged by the flood.