Flooding: Tinubu approves N16.7bn to reconstruct Mokwa Bridge in Niger as flood wreaks havoc in Kebbi

*Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister for Information and National Orientation, discloses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of N16.7 billion for immediate reconstruction of the damaged Mokwa Bridge in Niger State

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to recent downpour in several parts of the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved immediate release of N16.7 billion for the reconstruction of the damaged Mokwa Bridge in Niger State of Nigeria.

The torrential had destroyed the legacy bridge May 2025.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, disclosed this development at the weekend, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, after a meeting with H.E. Senator (Engr.) Dave Umahi, his counterpart in the Federal Ministry of Works.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

Idris had led a Federal Government’s delegation on a three-day tour of projects and citizen engagements in the South-East region.

The Minister said the approval of the fund for instant rehabilitation of the bridge underlined the current administration’s responsiveness to urgent infrastructure needs in Nigeria.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister for Information and National Orientation, stated Idris said: “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 N16.7 billion to reconstruct the bridge — a 10-span bridge.”

The Minister equally commended Senator Umahi for his swift response after the disaster in Mokwa.

He noted that Umahi, among other proactive steps, dispatched experts to assess the damage shortly after the flood destroyed the Mokwa Bridge.

The approval for the bridge reconstruction will be “music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State,” stated Idris.

Speaking after the meeting with the delegation also, Umahi, Minister for Works, described Nigerian President Tinubu as a compassionate and listening leader with a commitment to solving the challenges confronting Nigerians.

The Minister, who is former Governor of Ebonyi State, further noted: “The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the minister. He graciously approved because of him.”

According to Umahi, the latest round of approvals for infrastructure provision spanned all the geo-political zones of the country.

He listed some of the latest approvals to include the reconstruction of the washed-away five-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State; the Lokoja Bridge; the permanent repair of the washed-away section of the Afikpo Bridge, in Ebonyi to Abia and Imo State; the Keffi Flyover Bridge; the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State; seven bridges in Edo State; and a bridge in Kebbi State.

1,354 people directly affected in Mokwa flood disaster: Niger Governor

Earlier, reports had indicated that over 150 people in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger died, following the devastating flood that destroyed homes and displaced thousands of residents May 2025.

The Niger State Government, at the time also revealed that 1,354 people were directly affected by the flood disaster in Mokwa.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, who disclosed this during the visit of Vice-President Kashim Shettima to the area June this year, said 4,534 individuals were displaced from their homes, with 458 households impacted.

Bagana explained that total of 265 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, two major roads were affected, and five key bridges collapsed, including the vital Goodwill Bridge along Mokwa-Jaba Road.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Shettima at the visit, had approved the immediate release of N2 billion for the reconstruction of all houses affected by the flood.

Flood destroys bridges, homes and farmlands in Kebbi

In a related development, a devastating flash flood has destroyed two bridges, several houses, and farms in the Dandi and Suru local government areas of Kebbi State, North-West Nigeria.

The flood, which occurred Thursday, August 14, led to the collapse of two bridges: one in Fana township and another linking the Dakingari-Kyangakwai road.

Several houses and vast farmlands also got submerged across the affected communities, according to report.

Speaking on the flood disaster, Senator Umar Tafida, Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, extended the state government’s condolences to the flood victims in Fana, Aljannare, and Kampani villages in Dandi, Suru, and Argungu LGAs.

Tafida also presented relief materials and financial support worth N70 million to assist in cushioning their suffering resulting from the disaster.

During a sympathy visit to the affected areas on Saturday, the Kebbi State Deputy Governor assured residents of the government’s continued support and announced plans for the reconstruction of the collapsed bridges.

The state government, he stated, had donated N50 million and 600 bags of rice to victims in Fana, Maigwaza, and Tungar Beddi in Dandi LGA; N10 million and 250 bags of rice to Aljannare in the Suru LGA; and another N10 million and 250 bags of rice to victims in Kampani village, Argungu LGA.

Senator Tafida, therefore, prayed for Allah’s protection against future disasters.

He equally urged residents of the state to accept the flood disaster as “an act of God”.

Tafida urged the citizens living in flood-prone, riverine areas to relocate to higher grounds for their safety.

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