Flood Recovery: Tinubu Approves ₦16.7bn for Urgent Rebuilding of Mokwa Bridge
President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the immediate disbursement of ₦16.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which was destroyed by severe flooding in May 2025.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abakaliki following a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
Idris, who is currently leading a federal delegation on a three-day inspection of projects and citizen engagement efforts across the South-East, emphasized that the approval reflects the administration’s commitment to swiftly addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
“We are grateful to Mr. President and the Minister of Works. After our joint presentation to the President, he kindly approved ₦16.7 billion for the reconstruction of the 10-span Mokwa Bridge. This is a significant relief for the people,” Idris stated through his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.
He also praised Minister Umahi for his prompt reaction following the incident, including deploying technical teams to assess the bridge damage shortly after it collapsed.
Idris noted that the reconstruction approval would bring significant relief to both the state government and residents of Niger State.
In his remarks, Umahi described President Tinubu as a compassionate leader who listens to the needs of the people and acts swiftly.
“The President approved the immediate rebuilding of the bridge at the minister’s request. His quick response demonstrates his commitment to addressing citizens’ needs,” Umahi said.
The former governor of Ebonyi State also revealed that recent infrastructure approvals by the Tinubu administration cover all geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Among the newly approved projects are the reconstruction of a five-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State; the Lokoja Bridge; permanent repairs to a damaged section of the Afikpo Bridge connecting Ebonyi to Abia and Imo States; the Keffi Flyover; the Jebba Bridge in Kwara; seven bridges across Edo State; and a bridge in Kebbi State.
The flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area in May claimed over 150 lives, destroyed homes, and displaced thousands of residents.
According to the Niger State government, a total of 1,354 individuals were directly affected by the disaster. Murtala Bagana, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, revealed during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit in June that 4,534 people were displaced, affecting 458 households.
He reported that 265 buildings were either destroyed or badly damaged, two major roads were impacted, and five critical bridges—including the Goodwill Bridge along Mokwa-Jaba Road—collapsed due to the flooding.
During that visit, Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, announced the release of ₦2 billion for the reconstruction of all affected homes.