Kebbi Governor Orders Immediate Reconstruction of Strategic Flooded Road to Niger Republic

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate reconstruction of the vital Makera-Kangiwa road, which links the state to the neighbouring Niger Republic and has been severely damaged by recent flooding. The directive was issued on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during the Governor’s on-the-spot assessment of the washed-away section of the road in Makera.

The Makera-Kangiwa road is a critical artery for both local mobility and cross-border trade, serving as a key economic route for communities within Kebbi State and facilitating commerce with neighbouring countries. Its recent destruction by floodwaters, attributed by officials to poor drainage infrastructure and a lack of proper culverts, has significantly disrupted transportation and regional economic activities.

Governor Idris emphasized the urgency of the reconstruction, instructing the Ministry of Works to promptly identify and engage a competent contractor. “This administration will not rest until critical infrastructure across the state is restored and expanded. Our people deserve the dividends of democracy, and we are committed to delivering just that,” the Governor stated, according to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, on Thursday. He further pledged to release 50 percent of the project funds immediately to accelerate the work, underscoring his commitment to a “no delays, no excuses” approach.

The Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar-Muslim, who accompanied the Governor on the inspection, assured residents that the ministry had already commenced the process of evaluating qualified contractors for the project. “We understand the hardship this has caused, and we are moving swiftly to resolve it. His Excellency’s directive is clear no delays, no excuses,” Umar-Muslim added.

Kebbi State has been grappling with the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding in recent weeks, which has displaced residents and damaged properties in various local government areas. The Governor’s swift action on the Makera-Kangiwa road is part of a broader state-wide effort to mitigate the effects of the rainy season and ensure essential infrastructure remains resilient and functional.