Documents obtained by SaharaReporters reveal a growing controversy surrounding the collapsed Namnai Bridge reconstruction project in Taraba State, with allegations that ₦16.5 billion approved for the bridge’s urgent rebuilding was diverted to an access road without proper approval.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had initially approved the ₦16.5 billion allocation for emergency reconstruction after the bridge collapsed in August 2024. Following a tragic boat accident in July 2025, which claimed the lives of a six-months-pregnant woman, Aisha, and a toddler, Baby Abis, local residents expected urgent work to begin.

Sources say Minister of Works Dave Umahi prepared an emergency reconstruction proposal, which FEC approved. The contract for the 10-span Namnai Bridge was awarded on September 10, 2025, with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) issuing a no-objection certificate.

However, before contractors mobilized, a second award letter dated October 28, 2025, was issued to the same contractor, this time for the construction of a 43.5 km access road along the Jalingo–Wukari Road, valued at the same ₦16.5 billion.

Sources question the legality of the diversion, noting that no approval higher than FEC exists:

“Who authorized this sudden shift from bridge to access road? If FEC approved it, when?” a source asked.

Another insider claimed the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, coordinated with the Minister of Works, leading to the road project award, but the move allegedly bypassed FEC approval. Heavy machinery initially brought to the bridge site has reportedly vanished, leaving only minimal equipment behind.

Response from Minister’s Office
Jamila M. Indabawa, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Maigari Ahmadu, denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated” and circulated by a social media user, Abdulmumin Imam. She emphasized that Ahmadu has held multiple meetings with the Minister of Works to ensure the project receives priority.

Rather than engaging on social media, Indabawa said the Minister has instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action to protect his reputation.

Court Order Controversy
The dispute escalated after reports surfaced that Maigari allegedly secured a court order for the arrest of Taraba-based activist Abdulmumin Imam, who criticized the handling of the bridge project.

A source familiar with the case told SaharaReporters that the Minister initially approached the Upper Area Court for an arrest warrant, then withdrew it after media attention, before reportedly obtaining another order from the Federal High Court in Jalingo. Imam has not been served, and the Minister’s legal team insists he has not avoided any invitations.

Minister Maigari’s counsel, Ibrahim Effiong, accused Imam of defaming the Minister and misleading the public regarding the alleged diversion of ₦16.5 billion.

The controversy has raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and proper authorization in handling federal infrastructure funds, especially for urgent public safety projects