Federal Government Orders Repair of Collapsed Mokwa Bridge Following Floods
Mokwa, Niger State, June 4, 2025 – President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to commence immediate repairs on the collapsed Mokwa Bridge, a vital infrastructure linking northern and southern Nigeria. The bridge was washed away by devastating floods that struck Mokwa town and surrounding areas on May 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and loss of lives.
The Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, who led a federal delegation on a condolence visit to Mokwa, announced the President’s directive. He emphasized the strategic importance of the bridge for Nigeria’s transportation system and assured that the ministry is dedicated to restoring its functionality.
“The President gave a clear directive for us to do everything possible to restore the access road for vehicular movement on the damaged bridge washed away by the flood,” Goronyo said.
Extent of the Flood Damage
The flooding, triggered by intense overnight rainfall and worsened by the collapse of a nearby dam, is one of the most catastrophic in recent Nigerian history. It claimed at least 159 lives, displaced over 3,000 residents, and destroyed more than 250 homes and businesses. The collapse of the Mokwa Bridge, along with two other bridges and two major roads, severely hindered access and emergency response efforts, isolating affected communities.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s swift intervention and highlighted human-induced factors such as illegal construction on waterways that worsened the disaster. He affirmed that state authorities and traditional leaders will enforce building regulations more strictly to prevent future occurrences.
Immediate and Long-Term Response
CGC Construction Company, located near the site, has been engaged to implement temporary measures to restore motorable access before full reconstruction begins. Additionally, a technical committee led by Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi has been tasked with identifying bridges nationwide that have surpassed their lifespan to guide further infrastructure interventions.
During his visit to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mokwa, Minister Goronyo appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and private organizations to provide support in the form of food, shelter, and medical assistance, stressing that government efforts alone are insufficient.
“These people need urgent help. While the government is playing its part, we appeal to well-meaning individuals and organizations to extend support,” he urged.
Impact on Transportation and Economy
The collapse of the Mokwa Bridge has disrupted a major transit route linking Nigeria’s north and south, causing traffic gridlocks and hampering the movement of goods, especially food supplies. Truck drivers reported severe delays, and agricultural produce prices are expected to rise in the south due to supply chain disruptions.
The village head of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu (Ndalila of Mokwa), confirmed the scale of destruction and called for government intervention to resettle displaced persons. Many remain unaccounted for, and the community faces the risk of disease outbreaks due to decomposing bodies and poor sanitation.
Humanitarian Situation
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relief agencies continue to provide food, blankets, and other essentials to displaced residents. However, the scale of the disaster and damaged infrastructure pose ongoing challenges to relief operations.
