Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – In a move to quickly fix key roads hit hard by floods, President Bola Tinubu has approved N16.7 billion for the immediate reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State. The bridge was washed away by heavy flooding back in May, leaving many people and vehicles stranded.
The announcement came from Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, during a government visit to the South-East region. He shared the news after meeting with Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. This is part of a three-day tour where federal officials are checking projects and talking to locals.
Idris praised President Tinubu for acting fast on this urgent need. “We want to thank Mr. President, and we want to thank the Honourable Minister of Works,” he said. “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 explained that the approval shows how the government is listening to Nigerians’ infrastructure problems. He also gave a shout-out to Umahi for sending experts right away to check the damage after the flood.
For the people of Niger State, this is great news. “The approval for the bridge reconstruction will be music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State,” Idris added.
Umahi, speaking at the event, called President Tinubu a “compassionate and listening leader” who cares about fixing everyday challenges. He said the president approved the work quickly because of the strong case made by Idris.
This isn’t just about one bridge. Umahi shared that recent approvals for road and bridge fixes are happening all over Nigeria, covering every region. Some of the other projects include:
- Rebuilding a 5-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State, that was also destroyed by floods.
- Fixing the Lokoja Bridge.
- Permanent repairs to a washed-away road section in Afikpo, connecting Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo States.
- Work on the Keffi Flyover Bridge.
- Repairs to the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State.
- Seven bridges in Edo State.
- A bridge in Kebbi State.
These steps are part of the government’s push to improve roads and bridges nationwide, making travel safer and easier after tough weather events like floods.
The Mokwa Bridge is a vital link for transporters and locals in Niger State, and its collapse caused major delays. With this funding, work can start soon to get things back to normal.
