The Nigerian Senate has sounded the alarm about the precarious condition of the Zungeru Bridge in Niger State, warning of its imminent collapse. On Thursday, lawmakers urged immediate action to prevent a crisis that could have severe consequences for transportation, economic activities, and the safety of residents in the area.
Call for Urgent Repairs
The Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently begin repairs, rehabilitation, and possible reconstruction of the Zungeru Bridge. Additionally, they asked the Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to conduct a thorough structural assessment of the old Zungeru Bridge, which is currently serving as an alternative route. They stressed the need to implement measures to prevent further damage and evaluate the state of other bridges across the country.
To fund the necessary emergency actions, the Senate suggested using contingency funds available within the Ministry of Works and the Service Wide Vote under the Ministry of Finance.
Senator Sani Musa’s Motion
These resolutions followed a motion raised by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), who described the Zungeru Bridge as a critical piece of infrastructure. The bridge, which spans the Kaduna River, is a vital federal asset connecting communities and enabling the movement of people, goods, and services. Senator Musa lamented that the main bridge had deteriorated to such an extent that it could no longer handle traffic, forcing vehicles to use the old Zungeru Bridge originally designed for railway use.
The old bridge is now under immense strain, with more than 1,000 vehicles passing over it daily. This dual use—supporting both rail and vehicular traffic—has made it increasingly vulnerable to collapse. According to Senator Musa, this situation is a ticking time bomb with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Impact on Communities and Economy
The diversion to the old bridge has caused significant disruptions in the region. Senator Musa highlighted that the deteriorating infrastructure has restricted human and economic activities, especially the movement of essential goods, including food supplies. He noted that this has led to increased hardship for residents, travelers, and businesses.
Additionally, the senator raised concerns about the security implications of the situation. The limited accessibility and delays caused by the diversion have made it difficult to transport goods and people safely, thereby exacerbating insecurity in the region.
A Looming Crisis
The Senate warned that if urgent interventions are not made, the continuous use of the old Zungeru Bridge could result in its collapse. Such an event would have devastating social and economic repercussions, further worsening insecurity and disrupting national supply chains. The lawmakers emphasized that the well-being of citizens depends on addressing this infrastructure challenge without delay.
A Broader Issue
The call to action on the Zungeru Bridge also brought attention to the wider issue of Nigeria’s aging and neglected infrastructure. The Senate urged relevant authorities to evaluate the condition of bridges across the country to identify other potential risks and prevent similar emergencies.
In conclusion, the lawmakers stressed that repairing and maintaining critical infrastructure like the Zungeru Bridge is essential not only for the safety of citizens but also for the country’s economic stability. They urged the government to act swiftly, using all available resources to avert a disaster.
