Tinubu approves N16.7bn for reconstruction of Mokwa Bridge

President Bola Tinubu has approved N16.7 billion for the immediate reconstruction of the collapsed Mokwa Bridge in Niger state.

The bridge collapsed in May during flooding that submerged more than 50 residential houses along with their occupants in the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa LGA of Niger state. About 150 residents died in the incident.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, announced the approval in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi, on Saturday after a meeting with David Umahi, the minister of works.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Rabiu Ibrahim, media aide to information minister, Idris said the approval reflects Tinubu’s administration’s urgency in tackling infrastructure challenges in the country.

The information minister said the president is responsive to the needs of Nigerians, adding that the people of Niger state will be happy with the development.

“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.