News
Tinubu Okays N16.7bn For Niger Bridge Construction
Months after the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State was washed away by flooding, President Bola Tinubu has approved N16.7bn for its reconstruction.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure last Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, after a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
Idris, who is currently leading a federal delegation on a three-day inspection of infrastructure projects and citizen engagement programmes across the South-East, said the approval reflected the administration’s responsiveness to urgent national infrastructure needs.
According to him, the Mokwa Bridge, which is a 10-span bridge, serves as a major artery for transportation and economic activities in Niger State and beyond.
“We want to thank Mr. President and we want to thank the Honourable Minister of Works. David Umahi. We jointly discussed this and approached Mr. President, who graciously approved it.
“It means a lot to the people. It’s N16.7bn to reconstruct the bridge — a 10-span bridge,” the minister was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
The statement noted that Idris underscored the strategic importance of the Mokwa Bridge in regional connectivity, especially for communities and businesses that rely on it for the movement of goods and people.
He praised the swift intervention of the Ministry of Works, saying, “His (Umahi’s) response was immediate and decisive. Experts were dispatched to assess the damage shortly after the bridge was washed away. This is music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State.”
In his remarks, Umahi described President Tinubu as a “compassionate and listening leader” who remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps.
“The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the Honourable Minister. He graciously approved because of him,” Umahi said.
Umahi said, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure that critical infrastructure across all geopolitical zones receives attention. What we are seeing is a government that listens, responds and acts swiftly to the needs of Nigerians.”
The minister also noted that the Mokwa Bridge project would not only restore transportation but also boost economic activities that had been affected since the collapse of the structure.
“The swiftness with which the President responded shows that this government places priority on the welfare and wellbeing of the people. The bridge is not just a physical structure; it is a lifeline for communities and businesses. Its reconstruction will bring relief to thousands who depend on it daily,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.
Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
President Tinubu congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.
He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.
“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.
“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.
President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.
The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plan to establish the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency, which will take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management and Control.
The State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), revealed this during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He explained that the government is engaging the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
Ibas, in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, last Friday, said the initiative forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
He added that the State is enforcing environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on flood plains, which worsen flooding incidents.
According to him, effective flood management requires collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone cannot tackle the challenge.
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