KEY POINTS

• Federal Government reportedly ordered emergency repairs after cracks appeared on the newly reconstructed Mokwa bridge project in Niger State.

• Residents raised concerns over the quality of the project, alleging that a culvert was built instead of the promised 10-span bridge.

• Contractors returned to the site to patch damaged sections after reports and public criticism went viral

The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly ordered immediate repair works on the controversial Mokwa bridge reconstruction project in Niger State after reports emerged that the newly completed structure had already begun showing signs of damage.

The development followed widespread criticism and public outrage after reports revealed visible cracks and structural defects on parts of the newly constructed project despite the huge amount approved for its reconstruction.

According to sources in the community, contractors handling the project were directed by the government to urgently return to the site and fix the damaged portions after the issue gained public attention.

Residents disclosed that repair works commenced on Wednesday, shortly after reports highlighting the defects on the structure circulated widely.

A follow-up inspection at the project site on Thursday reportedly confirmed that damaged sections of the structure had been patched and repaired by the contractor.

Videos and photographs from the area also showed that the visible cracks previously seen on sections of the culvert had been worked on.

Residents Question Quality of Project

The controversy began after concerns were raised over the quality and nature of the project awarded for the reconstruction of the collapsed Mokwa bridge.

Residents alleged that although the Federal Government announced plans for a standard 10-span bridge, what was eventually constructed at the site was a culvert which many feared could not withstand heavy flooding.

Community members expressed disappointment, saying the structure was already showing signs of weakness despite being newly completed.

One resident explained that the bridge reconstruction project, valued at ₦16.7 billion, was expected to provide a durable and lasting solution after the original bridge was destroyed by flooding in May 2025.

The resident, however, lamented that the newly constructed structure had already started developing cracks, raising serious concerns about its durability and suitability for a flood-prone area like Mokwa.

Residents also warned that the structure could suffer severe damage if another heavy rainfall occurs without proper reinforcement and repairs.

Many in the community reportedly feared that another flood incident could cut off access to the area and endanger lives if urgent action was not taken.

Another resident stated that people had expected a modern and standard bridge as announced by the government, but what was delivered had left many worried about public safety.

The Nigerian government had in August 2025 approved ₦16.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge after flooding washed away the previous structure earlier that year.

At the time, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the construction of a 10-span bridge for the affected community in Niger State.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, also praised the approval, describing it as part of the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the country.