Communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State have received a ₦2 billion relief package from the Federal Government to support the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure following a devastating flood that recently struck the area.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the intervention during a condolence visit to the state on Wednesday. Addressing residents and government officials, he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathies and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to responding swiftly to the humanitarian crisis.
The flood, which began last week, left over 160 people dead and destroyed more than 100 homes. Many communities remain displaced as emergency response efforts continue.
“President Tinubu was deeply moved by the tragedy that unfolded here,” Shettima said. “He has mandated an immediate response to support the victims and help the affected communities begin rebuilding.”
As part of this directive, the sum of ₦2 billion has been allocated for the reconstruction of homes lost to the flood. Shettima also disclosed that Senator Abdullahi Sabi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and a native of Niger State, has been asked to temporarily relocate to Mokwa. His role will include overseeing the recovery efforts, coordinating the delivery of relief materials, and supervising the repair of critical infrastructure, including collapsed bridges.
In a statement during the visit, Shettima stressed that the administration remains focused on easing the burden faced by disaster-stricken families. “This support is not just financial—it’s a message of solidarity and hope for the people of Mokwa,” he added.
Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, speaking on behalf of the Niger State Government, described the disaster as a severe national emergency. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt intervention and praised local emergency teams and volunteers for their efforts.
Garba emphasized the importance of Mokwa as a strategic transportation hub, linking various regions of Nigeria. He noted that the destruction of four key bridges had further compounded the region’s difficulties and appealed for additional federal assistance to restore connectivity and economic activities.
He also called for gender-sensitive support measures, noting that women—many of whom lost their small businesses—require tailored assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
Traditional leaders also lent their voices to the occasion. The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, offered prayers for the victims and thanked the federal authorities for acting swiftly.
He urged continued support for the completion of infrastructure projects, including the Mokwa bypass expressway, to speed up recovery and prevent future disruption.
As rebuilding efforts begin, residents remain hopeful that this federal intervention marks the start of lasting solutions to the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
