Victims of Mokwa Floods Urgently Await Government Action Ahead of New Rainy Season

The ongoing situation in Mokwa through the aftermath of last year's catastrophic flooding highlights a pressing issue for both state and federal governments. Nearly a year has elapsed since the floods ravaged the area, yet the victims' circumstances continue to pose a challenge for the authorities. Instead of witnessing a well-coordinated and empathetic response to this humanitarian crisis, the story has unfolded as one of unkept commitments and unmet expectations. With the rainy season looming, the delay in relocating and rehabilitating these individuals becomes increasingly perilous.

Following the destruction of homes, vital infrastructure, and livelihoods in this critical transit town, an approximate N30 billion was pledged by both the federal and Niger State governments, along with contributions from generous Nigerians. These funds were intended to reinstate essential services such as bridges and roads, as well as to facilitate the reconstruction of the lives that were shattered by the deluge. Given Mokwa's role as a key connector between the northern and southern regions of the country, the urgency for these measures was indisputable.

However, an investigation conducted by Weekend Trust recently revealed that the reality on the ground does not reflect the promised financial commitments. A large number of victims are still without homes and are suffering severely. Out of the four bridges and drainage initiatives that were announced with great fanfare, only one has been addressed, which has provided minimal relief. The main bridge that connects the north and south of Mokwa has seen some repair work, yet the persistent traffic congestion, exacerbated by the overload of articulated trucks and crumbling road conditions, continues.

This situation starkly contrasts with previously issued public declarations. On June 4, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate allocation of N2 billion towards the construction of houses for those affected by the floods. In August of the same year, he sanctioned an additional N16.7 billion aimed at rebuilding the bridges that were destroyed. These statements represented concrete financial commitments meant to provide tangible support.

However, reports from Weekend Trust indicate that the advancements have been negligible at best. The traditional leader of Mokwa, Alhaji Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, expressed profound disappointment regarding what he described as unmet pledges, especially concerning housing for those displaced. He highlighted that land designated for resettlement had already been made available by the state government, yet there has been no noticeable progress. Moreover, several NGOs that had indicated interest in assisting reportedly withdrew when they realized that no groundwork had commenced.

It is also crucial to note that the responsibility to support and resettle citizens primarily lies with the Niger State government, rather than solely at the federal level. In June of last year, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced that the reconstruction of roads and bridges connecting various communities to Mokwa was set to begin, with a budget of N7 billion allocated for this purpose. Additionally, he promised N1 billion in donations for victims awaiting full resettlement and instructed the Ministry of Lands and Survey to issue Certificates of Occupancy to ensure rapid construction of new homes.

Yet, nearly a year later, three out of the four planned bridges remain untouched and no permanent housing developments have been realized. Instead of a comprehensive relocation solution, victims were given a one-time payment of N500,000 each to secure temporary housing, whether they were homeowners or tenants. Families who lost loved ones were compensated with N1 million each. Although these initiatives may have temporarily addressed some immediate needs, they do not provide a long-term remedy.

The absence of organized, sustainable planning and transparent management of the funds pledged leaves these families in a state of uncertainty. Many of them are farmers who should have returned to their agricultural activities by now, thus contributing to the country’s food supply—something Nigeria cannot afford to lose during such a critical time. Moreover, prolonged displacement without systematic rehabilitation not only heightens poverty levels but also threatens broader economic stability.

This oversight also has wider repercussions at the national level. The failure to restore vital bridges has rerouted traffic, especially heavy-duty vehicles, causing additional pressure on the Lokoja–Abuja highway. Historically, the Mokwa route has been favored for the transportation of goods between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, meaning that its incomplete recovery poses not just local inconveniences but significant logistical and economic challenges.

At Daily Trust, we emphasize that both the Niger State and federal governments must take immediate and decisive action. There must be accountability. The citizens of Mokwa deserve to know the amount of pledged funds disbursed, the expenditures incurred, and the specific projects these funds have been allocated to. A lack of transparency only serves to breed distrust and skepticism among the populace.

More critically, there is no more time to delay meaningful intervention. The construction of permanent homes needs to start without further postponement. Bridges and drainage infrastructure must be reconstructed to withstand future flooding and prevent vulnerabilities. Prioritizing preventive measures such as appropriate urban planning, cleaning of waterways, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations should be major goals ahead of the onset of the 2026 rainy season.

Resettlement and helping those impacted is not an act of benevolence; it is a fundamental duty of governance. The moment for action is now.