President Bola Tinubu has approved N16.7 billion for the immediate reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State which was destroyed by flood in May this year.
The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this in Abakaliki yesterday after a meeting with the minister of works, Senator Dave Umahi.
Idris, who is currently leading a federal government delegation on a three-day project inspection and citizen engagement tour in the South-East, described the approval as a demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s responsiveness to critical infrastructure needs across the country.
“We want to thank Mr. President and the honourable minister of works. We jointly discussed this and approached Mr. President who graciously approved it. It’s N16.7 billion to reconstruct a 10-span bridge.
This means a lot to the people,” Idris stated.
He praised Senator Umahi for acting swiftly after the bridge collapse, including deploying experts to assess the damage and initiate technical plans for its reconstruction.
“This approval will be music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State,” he added.
In his remarks, Senator Umahi reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pressing infrastructure challenges, describing him as “a compassionate and listening leader.”
“The president approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the minister. He graciously approved it because of the urgency and importance,” Umahi said.
He further revealed that the Mokwa Bridge is one among several projects recently approved by the president to enhance national connectivity and road safety.
The Mokwa Bridge serves as a critical link between the North and South of Nigeria, and its reconstruction is expected to ease transportation challenges and boost economic activities in the region.
Other approved projects include: Reconstruction of a 5-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State; Rehabilitation of Lokoja Bridge; Permanent repair of a washed-away section linking Afikpo in Ebonyi to Abia and Imo States; Construction of the Keffi Flyover Bridge; Rehabilitation of the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State; Seven bridges in Edo State; And a major bridge in Kebbi State.
