Buhari Administration's Promise to Complete Ibi Bridge over River Benue in Taraba State Remains Unfulfilled

In 2019, President Buhari made a promise to build a bridge crossing the Benue River in Ibi LGA, Taraba state. This promise was aimed at boosting the economic and educational development of the state and improving transportation and trade in the area. The 2.3-kilometer Ibi bridge, along with an access road of 8 kilometers, was awarded by the Federal Government in 2020 at a cost of N57 billion.

However, the construction of the bridge has stalled due to a lack of commitment by the Buhari Administration. While the construction is ongoing, little has been done since the start of 2022 to expedite the construction, and the project is not expected to meet the expected timeline set by the administration for the second quarter of this year.

The completion of the Ibi bridge would be a significant development for the Ibi community and Taraba state in general. It would facilitate transportation and trade, provide easier access to schools such as the Federal University in Wukari, and boost the local economy, which is predominantly based on farming and fishing.

Taraba state currently has the longest stretch of the River Benue, and there is no bridge linking Taraba with Plateau state on its west border. This means that the only way to cross the Benue river is by using canoes, rafts, and boats, which is time-consuming and dangerous.

The people of Taraba state deserve better, and it is essential for the Federal Government to prioritize the completion of this vital infrastructure project. In conclusion, the Buhari Administration's lack of commitment to the construction of the Ibi bridge has resulted in slow progress and it’s therefore rated “Broken”

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The River Benue is the second river that meets the River Niger at Lokoja to form a confluence. It flows through many towns and villages, adding economic and agricultural value to these regions. Ibi town is on the south bank of the River Benue, opposite the mouth of the Shemankar River, serving as the port for Wukari which is 23 miles south.

The president made a promise in his manifesto for the 2019 general elections that he will complete a bridge across the stretch of River Niger in Ibi LGA. This infrastructure will help alleviate the transportation and logistics hardship faced by farmers, traders and commuters who can only cross the river by boats, ferry or canoe. The bridge will be a 2.4km long bridge with an additional 8km access road.

Promise: To complete the bridges across the stretch of River Benue in Ibi local government area

The contract for the construction of the bridge was awarded to RCC and billed to be completed before the end of the president’s term in 2023.

Terverr, a reporter with Africa Independent Television, in his report described the slow pace of work on the project, the residents’ and the Federal University of Wukari management optimism for the completion of the project before 2023 and be commissioned by President Buhari} I don't understand this entire paragraph.

“The residents are optimistic that the project will be completed before the end of the tenure of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2023. The Federal University of Wukari is the only federal government-owned tertiary institution in Taraba State, and linking the state to other parts of the country through the Ibi bridge means better access to the institution and potential students across the country."

The contractor’s slow pace of work threatens the completion of the project before the current administration tenure runs out, therefore this promise will be rated “In the works”. In light of this, the progress and status of the promise will continue to be tracked.

Reference:

Terverr Tyav. “2.3-kilometre Ibi Bridge in Taraba State under construction for N57 billion” AIT February, 2022.

https://ait.live/2-3-kilometre-ibi-bridge-in-taraba-state-under-construction-for-n57-billion/, accessed, 20 April, 2022.

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