Residents and commuters in Gassol Local Council of Taraba State have decried the failure of both the Taraba State and federal governments to fulfil their promises to repair the collapsed Nemnai Bridge.

The bridge, which links Taraba and Benue states to the southern region of Nigeria, has been in disrepair since last year’s rainy season, leaving the state in economic and social disarray.

The Nemnai Bridge once served as a vital transit route for agricultural produce, goods, and travellers between Taraba and North-Central Nigeria. Its collapse has left residents isolated and worsened the state’s economic struggles.

“The bridge was our connection to the world,” said Alhassan Ayuba, a local driver. “Now, we spend hours navigating bush paths, and even those are becoming unusable with the rains. Since the first rains began this year, conditions have worsened. Flooding and erosion have ravaged the makeshift paths, making journeys risky or impossible. Many commercial drivers have stopped using the route altogether.”

In a visit to the site earlier this year, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, described the situation as “critical” and assured residents that full-scale repairs would commence within weeks. However, those promises have yet to materialise. Months later, no contractors or equipment have arrived at the site.

“Nothing has changed,” lamented Usman Yahaya, a trader who used the road to transport goods to markets. “We read the promises in newspapers, hear them on the radio and television, but our lives haven’t improved. If anything, things are worse.”

The collapsed bridge has disrupted businesses, with market prices surging due to increased transportation costs. Perishable goods are being wasted, and school attendance in affected communities has dropped. Residents say the lack of direct access to Benue and the southern corridor has created an economic and humanitarian crisis.

“Local businesses are struggling, and families are suffering,” said Yahaya. “The government’s neglect is deepening our hardship.”

Analysts warn that continued delays in reconstruction could have lasting effects on Taraba’s fragile economy. Frustrated residents are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and expedite the long-overdue repairs.

“This is not just a local issue; it’s a national one,” said Isaac Sunday, a resident. “We are Nigerians too, and we deserve better. We’re tired of being ignored.”