Transport unions in Kwara State have issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, calling for immediate intervention to address the worsening condition of collapsed and severely damaged bridges across the state. The unions warned that the continued deterioration of critical transport infrastructure is disrupting economic activities, endangering lives, and worsening the cost of movement for commuters and traders.
The appeal was made by leaders of various transport associations who expressed deep concern over what they described as the near collapse of key bridges connecting major towns and rural communities within Kwara State. According to them, the situation has reached an alarming stage where several routes have become difficult or completely impassable, forcing motorists to take longer and more expensive alternatives to reach their destinations.
Transport operators explained that the affected bridges serve as essential economic corridors linking agricultural producing communities to urban markets. They noted that the damage to these structures has created significant bottlenecks in the movement of goods and people, especially traders who rely on daily transportation of farm produce to sustain their livelihoods. The unions stressed that the current state of disrepair is not only a transportation issue but also a growing economic challenge affecting food distribution and pricing across the state.
They further lamented that repeated appeals in the past have not resulted in lasting solutions, as temporary repairs carried out on some of the bridges quickly deteriorated under continuous use. According to them, the absence of comprehensive rehabilitation has left the infrastructure vulnerable to collapse, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding seasons that weaken already damaged foundations.
The unions noted that some communities in Kwara are now partially isolated due to the poor state of bridge infrastructure. In certain areas, residents reportedly struggle to access healthcare facilities, schools, and markets, as the only available routes have become unsafe or completely cut off. This situation, they said, has increased hardship for rural dwellers who depend heavily on functional road networks for daily survival.
Transporters also highlighted the rising cost of transportation as one of the most immediate consequences of the collapsed bridges. Drivers are now forced to travel longer distances through alternative routes, resulting in increased fuel consumption, higher vehicle maintenance costs, and longer travel times. These additional expenses are ultimately transferred to passengers and traders, further worsening the economic burden on households already struggling with rising living costs.
Safety concerns were also raised by the unions, who warned that some motorists are now taking dangerous detours, including unapproved pathways and weak makeshift crossings in an attempt to bypass damaged bridges. They cautioned that such practices expose commuters to serious risks, including road accidents, vehicle damage, and potential loss of life, particularly during rainy seasons when water levels rise unpredictably.
According to transport leaders, the most affected routes include major corridors within Ilorin, Offa, Baruten, Kaiama, Moro, and surrounding local government areas where bridge infrastructure has either collapsed completely or deteriorated beyond safe usage. They emphasized that these routes are vital not only for intra state movement but also for interstate trade, as Kwara serves as a key gateway between northern and southern Nigeria.
The unions called on both federal and state governments to treat the situation as an urgent national infrastructure concern. They stressed that while the federal government should take responsibility for federal roads and bridges, the state government must also play a proactive role in emergency interventions and coordination with relevant agencies to prevent further deterioration.
They further urged authorities to move beyond temporary fixes and instead embark on full structural rehabilitation of all affected bridges. According to them, only durable engineering solutions can restore safety, improve connectivity, and prevent future collapses. They also called for a detailed technical assessment of all existing bridge structures across the state to identify those at risk before they fail completely.
Stakeholders in the transport and business sectors have also expressed concern over the broader economic implications of the crisis. They warned that continued disruption of transport routes could affect food supply chains, increase inflation in essential commodities, and reduce economic productivity in both rural and urban areas. Kwara’s position as a transit hub makes the condition of its infrastructure particularly critical to regional trade and mobility.
Community leaders have joined the call for urgent government action, urging authorities to prioritize infrastructure development as a key driver of economic stability and social welfare. Many residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as years of neglect, insisting that improved road and bridge infrastructure is essential for development and poverty reduction.
The transport unions concluded their appeal by calling for improved funding, transparent project execution, and stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that rehabilitation projects are completed and maintained effectively. They emphasized that accountability and proper supervision are necessary to prevent the recurrence of abandoned or poorly executed infrastructure projects.
As pressure mounts on both federal and state authorities, residents across Kwara State continue to face daily challenges navigating damaged routes and collapsed bridges. The situation has placed renewed attention on infrastructure development as a critical national issue requiring immediate and sustained government attention.
