Tinubu Approves ₦2 Billion for Flood Victims’ Resettlement in Niger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of ₦2 billion for the immediate reconstruction of homes damaged by recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited victims of the flood disaster in Mokwa town, located in Mokwa Local Government Area. The visit was part of the federal government’s efforts to assess the extent of the damage and offer reassurance to affected communities.

“The President specifically instructed me to visit Mokwa to extend his condolences to the people and to assure them of the federal government’s full support,” Shettima said during the visit. “All issues raised will be addressed in close coordination with the Niger State Government.”

He further disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the Ministers of Environment and State for Agriculture to temporarily relocate to Niger State to oversee and facilitate immediate interventions—particularly under the ACRSAL project, which is focused on addressing drainage and environmental challenges in Mokwa.

In a show of relief support, the Vice President also announced that 20 trucks of food items have been approved for distribution. The process will be carried out in collaboration with the Village Head of Mokwa to ensure aid reaches the actual victims.

Vice President Shettima commended the proactive efforts of the Deputy Governor of Niger State and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their swift response to the disaster.

Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, in his remarks, emphasized the urgency of federal intervention. He noted that over 2,000 homes were destroyed by the floods, leaving thousands displaced. Many of the victims are currently taking refuge with friends and relatives.

Garba highlighted that the collapse of four key bridges had severely disrupted social and economic life, particularly in the Rabba axis. “Students can no longer commute to Mokwa during rainfall,” he added. “These bridges must be repaired urgently.”

He mentioned that the state has land available for immediate housing reconstruction and urged the federal government to support resettlement efforts.

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, also appealed for urgent intervention on multiple federal road projects across Niger State. He noted that construction on the Mokwa bypass had stalled due to compensation issues and called for its fast-tracking to ease the burden on residents.

Other key roads requiring attention, according to the monarch, include:

• Mokwa–Birnin Gwari–Kaduna Road
• Lambata–Bida Road
• Bida–Patigi Road
• Agaie–Matchi Boro Road

He also called for the deployment of an ecological team to address worsening environmental conditions and praised President Tinubu’s decision to send the Vice President as a mark of compassion and leadership.

The Village Head of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support and acknowledged the solidarity shown by the visit.