The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the immediate reconstruction of the Mokwa bridge in Niger State, describing the move as timely and deeply appreciated.
Speaking in Abakaliki on Saturday during a visit to his Works counterpart, David Umahi, Idris said the president responded swiftly after discussions on the urgent need to restore the collapsed bridge.
“When we discussed with the president, he said this means a lot for us, and he quickly approved it. We feel very honoured and happy about this development,” Idris said, adding that Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, and residents of the state would be equally pleased.
The Mokwa bridge, a critical link between northern and southern Nigeria, was recently washed away by severe flooding that claimed over 200 lives. Its reconstruction is projected to cost ₦16.7 billion.
Works Minister Umahi confirmed that the approval was secured following a request from Idris, noting that Tinubu also gave the go-ahead for the rebuilding of the five-span Wukari bridge in Taraba State, which was similarly destroyed by floods.
“President Tinubu is very fair. Each time he approves projects, they cut across all geopolitical zones,” Umahi said, disclosing that funds had already been released for additional works, including the Lokoja bridge and rehabilitation of key federal roads linking Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo states.
The ministers were in Enugu and Ebonyi for project inspections and citizen engagement as part of efforts to strengthen federal presence across the states.
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