The Federal Government has announced a ₦16.7 billion approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the urgent reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State.
The bridge, which connects the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, collapsed after heavy rainfall triggered massive flooding in May this year, cutting off a major route for trade, travel, and movement of agricultural produce.
Its loss has left communities in Niger State and neighboring regions struggling with increased transport costs, delays in the movement of goods, and heightened road safety risks due to diversions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the presidential approval on Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, while briefing reporters during a three-day federal government inspection and citizen engagement tour across the South-East.
Idris explained that the Ministry of Works under Senator Dave Umahi had earlier carried out a rapid technical assessment of the collapsed bridge and worked with his ministry to secure urgent intervention from the presidency.
“We want to thank President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Works for acting swiftly. We made a case for the bridge, and the president graciously approved ₦16.7 billion for its reconstruction. It is a 10-span bridge, and this approval means a lot to the people,” Idris said.
Idris also commended Umahi’s proactive measures after the disaster, including sending engineers and experts to Mokwa immediately after the collapse to determine the scale of damage.
He said this level of responsiveness demonstrates the government’s determination to protect lives and maintain national economic activities.
According to him, the Mokwa Bridge is not just a state project but a piece of national infrastructure critical for connecting farmers, traders, and transporters across regional markets.
Speaking on the project, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pressing infrastructure challenges. He described the president as “a compassionate and listening leader” who understands the urgent needs of Nigerians.
“The president approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge because of its urgency and importance,” Umahi said.
“This project, alongside others recently approved, reflects his determination to restore confidence in government and strengthen connectivity across the country.”
The collapse of the Mokwa Bridge has had far-reaching consequences beyond Niger State. It disrupted the smooth flow of goods from northern states such as Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi to markets in the South, and vice versa.
Farmers transporting perishable items like grains, yams, and vegetables have been particularly affected, with losses running into millions due to delays and increased transport costs.
Traders and commercial drivers have been forced to take longer alternative routes, causing hardship to commuters and leading to spikes in food prices in affected areas.
The reconstruction, therefore, is expected to bring immediate relief to road users, restore normal economic activity, and enhance safety along the corridor.
Beyond Mokwa, President Tinubu has also sanctioned several other critical road and bridge projects across the federation. These include:
Reconstruction of a 5-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State
Rehabilitation of the Lokoja Bridge
Permanent repair of the washed-away section of the Afikpo–Abia–Imo road corridor
Construction of the Keffi Flyover Bridge
Rehabilitation of the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State
Seven new bridges in Edo State
A major bridge in Kebbi State
Umahi stressed that these projects are part of a wider infrastructure revival strategy aimed at easing road transport, reducing accidents, and improving trade across Nigeria.
The federal government insists that the approval of these projects, particularly the Mokwa Bridge, underscores its resolve to prioritize infrastructure that directly impacts economic growth and the daily lives of Nigerians.
Idris concluded that the projects would serve as a “strong signal” that the Tinubu administration is focused on solving real problems and will not allow critical national infrastructure to remain neglected.