The Federal Executive Council (FEC) originally approved ₦16.5 billion for urgent reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Taraba State. However, reports suggest that the same funds were later reassigned to the construction of a 43.5-kilometre access road without documented approval from the Council.
Documents seen by a national news outlet indicate that concerns are growing over how the contract was handled after the bridge collapsed in August 2024. According to sources, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, visited the collapsed site shortly after the incident, accompanied by officials of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
Ahmadu previously served as Minister of State for Steel Development until 2024 before he was reassigned to his current role in regional development.
One source recounted the tragic aftermath that followed, explaining that a boat accident in July 2025 led to the deaths of a pregnant woman named Aisha and a toddler known as Baby Abis, both of whose bodies were never found. Another victim, Bara’atu, was recovered. The source added that heavy machinery was brought to the area with assurances that work on an alternative crossing or temporary link would begin soon, but visible progress was not made.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, was said to have prepared an emergency proposal for the reconstruction which FEC approved at the cost of ₦16.5 billion. On September 10, 2025, the contract was reportedly awarded and a no-objection certificate issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), paving the way for work to commence.
However, before construction began, a second award letter was issued on October 28, 2025, directing the same contractor to instead undertake the construction of a 43.5km access road along the Jalingo–Wukari axis for the same amount. This development effectively shifted the contract away from the bridge reconstruction.
One of the documents reviewed, dated September 10, 2025 and signed by the Director of Public Procurement, Dauda Ismaila Belel, confirmed the provisional approval for emergency reconstruction of the bridge with a total sum of ₦16.5 billion including VAT.
Another document dated October 28, 2025 and bearing the same signature reflected a new provisional award for emergency reconstruction of the access road rather than the bridge, retaining the original contract sum.
Stakeholders have questioned the legality of modifying the project purpose without returning to FEC for approval. Sources asked who authorized the shift and whether the Council reviewed or approved the change.
It was alleged that the Minister of State for Regional Development had communicated to the Minister of Works that NEDC would now handle the bridge reconstruction, leading to the access-road award. Critics argue that the move was improper as no documented approval from FEC was presented. According to sources, construction equipment earlier positioned near the site has since been withdrawn, except for one bulldozer and a small quantity of boulders.
Responding to circulating allegations, the Minister’s media aide, Jamila M. Indabawa, issued a public statement attributing claims of fund diversion to a social media user she accused of spreading false information. She stated that the Minister has consistently engaged relevant authorities, including meetings with the Minister of Works, to ensure work on the bridge receives priority. She added that Ahmadu has opted for legal action to defend his reputation.
Further reports from another publication indicated that controversy intensified when claims emerged that the Minister’s team pursued a court-approved arrest warrant for a civic activist, Abdulmumuni Imam, who has been vocal about alleged mismanagement of the ₦16.5 billion allocation. While the Minister previously denied seeking arrest orders, later developments suggested legal actions were taken in relation to the activist’s statements.
The Minister’s counsel, Ibrahim Effiong, confirmed to journalists that a Federal High Court issued a warrant over allegations of defamation and misinformation regarding the project funds. He described Imam as a self-proclaimed activist who, according to him, spread misleading claims suggesting the funds approved for reconstruction were diverted.
