President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of ₦16.7 billion for the urgent reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which was severely damaged by flooding in May.
The disaster claimed the lives of over 200 people, left hundreds displaced, and several others missing after heavy floods swept through Mokwa Local Government Area.
The approval was announced on Saturday in Abakaliki by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke after a joint meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The statement was released through Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Information.
Idris, currently leading a Federal Government delegation on a three-day project tour and citizens’ engagement in the South-East, said the funding reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing urgent national infrastructure challenges.
“We want to thank Mr. President and the Honourable Minister of Works. We approached the President together, and he graciously approved the reconstruction of the 10-span bridge. This means a lot to the people of Niger State,” Idris said.
He commended Senator Umahi’s swift response in the aftermath of the disaster, including sending technical experts to assess the damage shortly after the bridge collapse.
In his remarks, Senator Umahi described President Tinubu as a compassionate and responsive leader, saying the bridge project was among several recent approvals aimed at enhancing national infrastructure.
“The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge following the Minister’s request. His approval came without hesitation,” Umahi said.
He added that similar infrastructure interventions have been approved across the six geo-political zones, including a 5-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State, the Lokoja bridge, permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of Afikpo Road linking Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo states.
Others are; the Keffi Flyover Bridge, the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State, seven bridges in Edo State and a bridge project in Kebbi State.
