When the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State collapsed after heavy flooding back in May, it left thousands of commuters stranded and transporters in serious hardship. The bridge, a key link between the North and South-West, had become a nightmare route, with viral videos showing travellers wading through floodwaters in frustration.
Now, relief is finally in sight. President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of ₦16.7 billion for the immediate reconstruction of the 10-span bridge. The announcement came on Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, after a joint briefing with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
Idris described the approval as proof of the President’s responsiveness to urgent infrastructure needs, noting that it was “music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State.” He also praised Umahi for quickly dispatching experts to assess the damage when the bridge went down.
On his part, Umahi confirmed that Tinubu gave swift approval for the project after his request, stressing that several other critical bridges across the country—including those in Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Edo, Kebbi, and the South-East—have also been earmarked for repairs and reconstruction.
For many Nigerians who had lost hope after months of suffering, the move is expected to ease travel, restore business flow, and reconnect communities once the construction is completed.
