Controversy has erupted over the handling of ₦16.5 billion initially approved for the emergency reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo–Wukari Road in Taraba State. Sources claim the funds were allegedly diverted to a 43.5 km access road without proper Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval.
Documents obtained by SaharaReporters indicate that following the bridge collapse in August 2024, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, visited the site alongside the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to assess reconstruction plans. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, subsequently prepared an emergency proposal which FEC approved, allocating ₦16.5 billion for the bridge.
The contract was formally awarded on September 10, 2025, with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) issuing its no-objection certificate. However, before work could commence, a second award letter was issued on October 28, 2025, assigning the same contractor to build the access road instead of the bridge, still valued at ₦16.5 billion. Local sources question the legality of the diversion, noting that no approval higher than FEC exists in Nigeria.
The alleged diversion coincided with tragic incidents, including a boat capsizing that resulted in the deaths of a six-months-pregnant woman, Aisha, and a toddler, Abis. Heavy machinery had been mobilized for the bridge reconstruction, but reports indicate that much of the equipment was later removed from the site.
In response to the allegations, Maigari’s office dismissed claims of fund diversion as “fabricated” and emphasized that the Minister has been engaging with the Minister of Works to prioritize the project. Jamila M. Indabawa, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Maigari, stated that the Minister has opted for a legal approach to protect his reputation rather than engage in social media disputes.
The controversy intensified after the Minister reportedly obtained a court order for the arrest of Taraba-based civic advocate Abdulmumin Imam, a vocal critic of the stalled bridge project. While Maigari’s media team denied any attempt to use security agencies against Imam, the Federal High Court reportedly issued an arrest warrant following claims of defamation.
The Namnai Bridge saga has sparked public debate over transparency, project management, and accountability in the allocation and execution of federal infrastructure funds in Taraba State.
