President Tinubu Approves ₦2 Billion and 20 Trucks of Rice for Niger Flood Victims
Mokwa, Niger State, June 4, 2025 – President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of ₦2 billion to aid the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the devastating floods that swept through Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State. In addition, the President authorized the dispatch of 20 trucks loaded with rice to provide food relief to the affected communities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced these interventions during his condolence visit to the flood-ravaged area, where he assessed the extent of the destruction and met with state officials, traditional rulers, and displaced residents.
“The President is heartbroken by the tragedy that befell Mokwa. He has directed swift action to ease the suffering of the people and to help rebuild what has been lost,” Shettima said.
The flood, which began on May 28, 2025, is considered the worst in the region in over 60 years. It has claimed over 200 lives, destroyed more than 100 houses, and displaced over 3,000 residents. Rescue teams continue to recover bodies and search for missing persons.
Federal Government Response and Recovery Plans
President Tinubu’s directive includes the immediate repair of four key bridges that were submerged and destroyed by the floodwaters, critical for restoring connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria. The drainage systems in Mokwa town are also slated for urgent rehabilitation to mitigate future flooding risks.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Sabi—an indigene of Niger State—has been tasked to relocate temporarily to Mokwa to oversee the distribution of relief materials and coordinate reconstruction efforts.
“The Minister is to ensure that food items and relief materials provided by the Federal Government are properly distributed to those affected,” Shettima confirmed.
The federal government’s ₦2 billion intervention will support rebuilding homes and infrastructure, with particular attention to the welfare of women, who were among the hardest hit, especially in restoring their businesses and livelihoods.
Local and State Government Actions
Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba described the flood as a national catastrophe and appealed for urgent federal assistance, emphasizing that the scale of destruction exceeds the state’s capacity to manage alone. He praised local volunteers and emergency responders, especially the State Emergency Management Agency, for their tireless rescue efforts.
Governor Umar Bago has canceled all official Eid-el-Kabir celebrations statewide as a mark of respect and mourning for the victims. Traditional Sallah festivities, including the Durbar and other public events, have been suspended to allow space for reflection and prayers.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, offered prayers for the bereaved families and urged the community to accept the tragedy as the will of God.
Humanitarian Situation and Challenges
Despite the federal and state interventions, many displaced residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the relief efforts, citing inadequate shelter conditions and insufficient food supplies. One victim lamented,
“We are 17 people in my household, but we were only given one loaf of bread and some tea. How can that be enough for even our breakfast?”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies continue to coordinate humanitarian aid, but the scale of displacement and destruction poses ongoing challenges.
