Kwara transport unions seek Tinubu’s intervention on abandoned bridges

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Kwara State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the completion of the abandoned Oko-Olowo-Moro and Ohan bridge projects, warning that the prolonged delay has continued to stifle economic activities and worsen hardship across Kwara North.

The appeal was made during a joint press conference addressed by leaders of both transport unions, where they described the abandoned projects as a major impediment to transportation, commerce, healthcare delivery, security operations and judicial processes in the region.

The statement read was jointly signed by Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa of RTEAN and Abdulrasak Adeoye Ariwo-Ola of NURTW on behalf of transport unions in Kwara State.

According to the unions, the Oko-Olowo-Moro Bridge project, which commenced in 2017 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was designed as a strategic link connecting Kwara North to other parts of the state through neighbouring communities in Oyo State.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, the transport leaders noted that the bridge serves as a critical access route to Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas, regarded as major agricultural hubs in Kwara State.

“The economic and social well-being of our people has remained under threat since work on the Oko-Olowo-Moro Bridge was abandoned. Kwara North, widely regarded as the food basket of the state, has borne the brunt of the collapse of this vital infrastructure,” the unions stated.

They lamented that transport operators and commuters are now compelled to travel through longer alternative routes across several rural communities, resulting in increased travel time, higher vehicle maintenance costs and growing security concerns.

The unions further disclosed that the collapse of the historic iron bridge over the Ohan River has compounded the situation, effectively isolating many communities in Kwara North from the rest of the state.

“Like the Oko-Olowo-Moro Bridge, the iron bridge over the Ohan River has collapsed, disconnecting several communities from other parts of Kwara State. Residents have had to depend on temporary alternatives while awaiting the completion of a replacement bridge that remains far from completion,” they said.

They explained that many transport workers experience seasonal unemployment during the rainy season when makeshift river crossings become impassable, depriving them of their means of livelihood and affecting their ability to cater for their families and meet financial obligations, including tax payments.

The transport bodies also raised concerns over recurring incidents of vehicles breaking down or becoming trapped while attempting to cross rivers, exposing passengers and drivers to serious risks.

“Several vehicles have become stranded in the river due to engine failure and other unforeseen circumstances. Such incidents create fear, anxiety and uncertainty for commuters and transport operators alike,” they added.

According to the unions, the poor state of access routes has also hindered the movement of inmates and suspects from the correctional facility in Mandala to courts in Ilorin, particularly during periods of heavy flooding.

They warned that emergency healthcare services have also been affected, as ambulances conveying critically ill patients often face delays in accessing medical facilities in the state capital.

The unions further expressed concern that future elections in Kwara North could be adversely affected if the bridge projects remain uncompleted, especially during the rainy season.

“If sensitive and non-sensitive election materials cannot be transported to polling units because of inaccessible roads and collapsed bridges, the integrity and credibility of the electoral process could be jeopardised,” they warned.

The transport unions, therefore, urged President Tinubu to direct the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite action on the completion of the two bridge projects to restore economic activities and alleviate the suffering of residents.

They also appealed to Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to work closely with relevant authorities to address the infrastructure challenges confronting communities in the area.

“We passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works to take immediate steps towards completing the abandoned Oko-Olowo-Moro and Ohan bridges. Their completion will revive economic activities, improve connectivity and bring much-needed relief to the people,” the unions stated.