Across several states in northern Nigeria, collapsed bridges and crumbling roads have turned daily life into a nightmare for thousands of people. From Plateau to Taraba, Bauchi to Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto, residents are pleading for urgent intervention as critical infrastructure continues to fail — in some cases, with deadly consequences.
Kufai Bridge, Plateau State: A Lifeline Broken
In Shendam LGA of Plateau State, the Kufai bridge near Yelwa community has been a key connection point for over 30 years — linking Plateau to Nasarawa and Taraba states. It’s especially vital for traders and truck drivers transporting goods across northern Nigeria.
But the bridge collapsed in 2022. A partial fix was attempted this year, but it gave way again during a heavy downpour in August. Now, during the rainy season, the river it crosses becomes dangerous, and commuters often wait for water to recede — or pay local labourers to help push vehicles across.
Wayu Bamga, a resident, said, “The government must help us. Life has become so difficult without the bridge.”
Others shared similar frustrations. “We’re suffering,” said Nanlong Nyas, a local. “They tried to fix the bridge, but after another rainfall, it collapsed again.” Drivers like Umar Sa’adu and Abubakar Haruna echoed the same pain: long delays, unsafe crossings, and no end in sight.
Namnai Bridge, Taraba State: One Year Later, Still No Fix
Along the Jalingo-Wukari road in Taraba, the Namnai bridge collapsed in August 2024. Despite promises from both state and federal officials — including the governor and the North-East Development Commission — nothing has been done.
The bridge connects the North-East with the South-East, South-West, and the FCT. Since the collapse, only motorbikes and pedestrians can cross the river using boats or canoes, while trucks and buses are forced to take long detours. Transportation costs and prices of goods have soared.
A driver, Adamu Hamman, recounted a tragic story: a pregnant woman and a child drowned when their engine boat capsized. Over 50 vehicles have reportedly fallen into the river at different times, destroying property and endangering lives.
Drivers say they pay as much as ₦6,000 per trip to ferry their vehicles across, a cost that’s driving them out of business
Zango-Gwallaga Bridge, Bauchi: Businesses Crippled
In Bauchi, heavy rains collapsed the Zango-Gwallaga Mayaki bridge on the outskirts of the city. While no lives were lost, the aftermath has left many in despair.
Local businesses have shut down. Some residents have even sold their homes and relocated. “We can’t move goods in or out,” said resident Muhammad Idris. “It’s a disaster.”
Although the government has begun work on a new access road, it’s far from completion, and gully erosion is making matters worse.
Gwalli Bridge, Zamfara: A Preventable Tragedy
In Zamfara State’s Gummi LGA, a horrific accident occurred when a wooden bridge collapsed under an overloaded bus, killing 19 people. The passengers were headed to a wedding. Survivors said the bridge — built by residents after the original one collapsed — had long been a disaster waiting to happen.
“It was budgeted for, but nothing was done,” said state legislator Adamu Gumi, clearly frustrated. “Now 19 people are dead.”
In response, the state has distributed boats and life jackets to riverine communities, but residents want permanent infrastructure, not temporary fixes.
Fana Bridge, Kebbi: Trade at a Standstill
Flooding in Kebbi State washed away the Fana bridge in Dandi LGA, cutting off the international road linking Nigeria to Niger Republic. Three trucks fell into the river during the collapse. The damage has isolated communities and devastated trade.
Rice trader Sanusi Fana said, “We couldn’t take our produce to market. We were stuck, completely cut off.”
Realizing the severity of the situation, the state governor approved emergency repairs and resettlement plans for displaced residents, but locals say much more is needed.
Babban Rami Bridge, Niger State: Another Link Destroyed
On September 3, 2025, the Babban Rami bridge in Niger’s Mashegu LGA collapsed after heavy rains. The bridge was
a key link between Kontagora and Makera, serving travellers from Sokoto and Zamfara heading south.
Truck drivers say the poor state of roads in Niger is behind many of the accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles. “The roads are killing us,” said Bello Yahaya, a representative of the Truck Drivers Association.
Despite years of promises, construction on key roads — including the Lambata-Lapai-Bida route — remains painfully slow.
A Region in Crisis
Beyond the individual stories, the bigger picture is clear: the northern region is grappling with a growing infrastructure crisis. Bridges and roads — many built decades ago — are collapsing under the strain of age, weather, and neglect. And while communities continue to cry for help, the response has been slow and inadequate.
People have died. Businesses have shut down. Entire communities are cut off from essential services.
The message from residents is loud and clear: they need help — not next year, not next month — but now.
