President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N16.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which was severely damaged by flooding in May this year.
The Mokwa Bridge, a critical infrastructure link in North-Central Nigeria, collapsed after heavy rains and floods swept through the region earlier in the year. Its destruction has disrupted transportation, trade, and daily movement for thousands of residents, while also cutting off a major route that connects Niger State to other parts of the country.
The President’s approval comes as a direct response to growing concerns over the hardship caused by the collapse. For months, commuters and transporters have faced longer, more expensive, and often unsafe detours in order to continue their journeys. The release of funds signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to restore the bridge as quickly as possible.
Government officials emphasized that the N16.7 billion allocation will cover both the full reconstruction of the bridge and the implementation of modern flood-resistant engineering designs to prevent future collapses. The Federal Ministry of Works is expected to immediately commence the contracting process, ensuring that work begins without further delay.
The Mokwa Bridge holds strategic importance not only for Niger State but also for the national economy. As part of a major transit route, it facilitates the movement of agricultural produce, goods, and passengers between northern and southern Nigeria. Its reconstruction is therefore considered both an infrastructural necessity and an economic priority.
This latest directive aligns with President Tinubu’s broader push to address Nigeria’s pressing infrastructure deficits, particularly in road and transport networks that are vital to economic growth and regional integration.
Residents of Niger State and neighboring communities have welcomed the news, expressing hope that the swift release of funds will translate into speedy construction and lasting relief.
As the Federal Government mobilizes to begin the rebuilding process, all eyes remain on the timeline and execution of the project, given the scale of disruption and urgency of restoring the Mokwa Bridge.
