After Tragedy: Tinubu Approves N16.7b to Rebuild Niger Bridge That Claimed 150 Lives

By Ada Samson, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has authorised 16.7 billion naira for urgent reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which collapsed during May’s devastating floods.

The disaster submerged over 50 homes in the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities, claiming approximately 150 lives when floodwaters swept through the area.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed the funding during meetings in Ebonyi State with Works Minister David Umahi on Saturday. In a statement, Mr Idris said the approval demonstrated the administration’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs.

“The people of Niger State will welcome this swift response,” the minister added, noting that technical teams had assessed the damage shortly after the tragedy.

The 10-span bridge serves as a vital transport link between northern and southern Nigeria. Reconstruction work is expected to begin imminently, with engineers incorporating improved flood defences in the new design.

The funding forms part of a wider infrastructure package that includes repairs to several other ageing bridges across the country considered at risk of failure.

“We want to thank Mr. President, and we want to thank the honourable minister of works,” the statement reads.

“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.”

He praised Umahi for promptly sending technical teams to assess the damage soon after the disaster occurred.

According to him, the president’s approval will be “music to the ears of the government and people of Niger state.”

The information minister is leading a federal delegation on a three-day project inspection and citizen engagement tour in the south-east.

Umahi described Tinubu as a compassionate and listening leader who is determined to address the difficulties facing citizens.

“The president approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the honourable minister. He graciously approved because of him,” he said.

The works minister said the latest set of approvals covers several projects across all geopolitical zones.

He listed the approvals to include the reconstruction of the washed-away five-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba; Lokoja Bridge; permanent repairs on the Afikpo road in Ebonyi linking Abia and Imo; Keffi flyover Bridge; Jebba Bridge in Kwara; seven bridges in Edo; and a bridge in Kebbi.