Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed that the reconstruction of critical road and bridge infrastructure linking Raba and other communities to Mokwa town will cost N7 billion. According to the governor, the contract for the massive reconstruction project has already been awarded and is set to commence soon.
Governor Bago made this announcement during a visit to Mokwa town, where he met with victims of the recent devastating flood. The disaster, which claimed multiple lives and displaced hundreds, has left a trail of destruction across the region.
In an effort to cushion the immediate impact of the disaster, the governor announced a donation of N1 billion to the affected communities. He assured that the funds would serve as interim relief pending the full resettlement of displaced persons.
As part of a broader relief strategy, Bago said the state government would provide 10 trucks each of essential food items, including rice, beans, maize, millet, and sorghum. These supplies are aimed at supporting the victims while the government accelerates efforts to rebuild homes and restore basic infrastructure.
The governor also directed the state’s Ministry for Land and Survey to issue a Certificate of Occupancy to the federal government. This, he said, would facilitate immediate construction of permanent resettlement homes for those displaced by the flood.
While awaiting the federal intervention, Bago assured that the state government was making arrangements to ensure that flood victims do not remain in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp longer than necessary. He emphasized that dignity and comfort must be restored to those who lost their homes.
The governor expressed gratitude to the federal government, donor agencies, humanitarian partners, and individuals who have extended support to the victims. He also offered prayers for the souls of those who died in the disaster and described the tragedy as a deeply painful moment for the state.
The Mokwa flood, which struck with little warning, has been described by many as one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory to hit Niger State, with calls growing louder for long-term preventive measures.
