Floods devastate bridges across Northern Nigeria, disrupting trade activities

‎Communities in northern Nigeria are faced with severe disruptions as floods have destroyed key bridges, cutting off vital transport routes and escalating hardship for residents and commuters.
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‎ The situation threatens economic activities and daily life across multiple states. In Plateau State, the Kufai bridge near Yelwa collapsed again in August after a partial repair failed, leaving motorists stranded and forcing drivers to pay laborers for help crossing the swollen river.
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‎This bridge is a crucial link for travel from Plateau to Nasarawa and Taraba states, heavily used by both commuters and truck drivers transporting goods. Residents like Wayu Bamga and Nanlong Nyas spoke of the daily struggles since the collapse.
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‎Similarly, the Namnai bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari road in Taraba has remained unusable for over a year, compelling vehicles to divert lengthy alternative routes. Local officials have pledged reconstruction, but relief remains elusive, as noted by Senator Haruna Manu and House of Representatives member Ja’faru Yakubu Chiroma, who have pressed for urgent government action.
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‎In Bauchi State, the Zango-Gwallaga Mayaki bridge collapsed last month following heavy rains, halting commercial activity and forcing residents to consider relocating.
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‎Sokoto State witnessed a tragic collapse of Gwalli bridge, where an overloaded bus plunged into a river, killing 19 people. Survivors and eyewitnesses described the unsafe nature of the makeshift wooden bridge, with local lawmakers and the state government vowing to construct safer infrastructure and enhance safety measures, including distributing motorized boats and lifejackets.
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‎Kebbi State’s Fana bridge also gave way after trucks fell into the river, disrupting the busy Birnin Kebbi-Makera route and affecting food supply chains across the federation. Governor Nasir Idris has ordered relief efforts and land allocations for flood victims displaced by the disaster.
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‎In Niger State, the Babban Rami bridge in Mashegu was completely washed away on September 3, severing a crucial link between northern and southern regions. Truck drivers and community members have criticized the slow pace of road construction and called for urgent repairs to restore connectivity and prevent further accidents.
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‎The destruction of bridges across northern Nigeria shows the urgent need for infrastructure investment and disaster resilience measures. Governments at federal and state levels face mounting pressure to act swiftly to restore critical transport links, support affected communities, and prevent further tragedies.