The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Taraba State has given both the state and federal governments a three-month ultimatum to begin reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area.
The bridge, which collapsed in August 2024, has remained unrepaired for over a year, causing significant hardship for motorists, traders, and residents of the affected community. The Namnai Bridge serves as a critical transport link connecting the North-East, North-Central, and Southern regions of Nigeria. Its collapse has severely disrupted the flow of goods into Taraba State, leading to a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities.
Members of the coalition, disturbed by what they termed prolonged government neglect, visited the site of the collapsed bridge on Sunday. During their visit, they vowed to pursue all legal means to ensure immediate action is taken by the authorities.
The group warned that if no work is commenced within the three-month deadline, they will mobilize 5,000 signatures and invoke the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to demand government accountability.
“If the government fails to commence work on the bridge after the 90-day ultimatum, we will gather 5,000 signatures and invoke the FOI Act to demand accountability,” said Bello Adamu Bako, the coalition’s Secretary.
Bako expressed disbelief that both the state and federal governments had failed to address the issue 16 months after the bridge collapsed.
He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, pointing to the loss of lives, destruction of goods worth millions of naira, and the untold hardship faced by road users due to the collapsed infrastructure.
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He also commended an individual who constructed a temporary makeshift bridge to help alleviate the suffering of motorists.
Samuel Obibisong, BudgIT-Tracker Regional Coordinator for the North-East, also voiced his concern over the government’s lack of action.
He described the neglect of such a critical piece of infrastructure as deeply disappointing and urged both levels of government to urgently take steps to fast-track the reconstruction.
“Leaders with empathy would not abandon infrastructure of such importance. The collapse of the bridge has led to the loss of lives, property, and farmlands,” Obibisong lamented. “Reconstructing the bridge will bring relief to affected communities and restore hope.”
Motorists and drivers who spoke with our state correspondent, also expressed frustration over what they perceived as the politicization of the bridge’s reconstruction.
They commended the individual who built the temporary crossing and urged the government to act swiftly and be more responsive to the needs of the people.
The coalition’s ultimatum is seen as a last resort to ensure the bridge is repaired and the suffering of the people is addressed before the situation deteriorates further.
