Namnai Bridge: Taraba Governor Demands Realistic Completion Timetable -

JALINGO, Taraba State — October 24, 2026

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has directed state officials to engage federal agencies and the contractor handling the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge on the Jalingo–Wukari highway to establish a realistic timetable for completing the project.

The directive was announced during the governor’s Independence Day broadcast on October 1, according to reports by Vanguard and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

Kefas directed the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the Secretary to the State Government to engage the North East Development Commission, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the contractor responsible for the reconstruction.

The governor requested a report on the project’s status, the challenges affecting construction and a realistic timetable for completion within seven days of his directive.

He acknowledged the hardship and economic disruption caused by the bridge’s collapse and expressed concern that progress had not matched the urgency of the situation.

The bridge is on the Jalingo–Wukari federal highway, an important route for movement between communities in Taraba State. Disruptions along the route can affect commuters, traders, farmers and other road users who depend on it for transportation.

For residents and businesses, the key questions remain when the bridge will be completed, what arrangements are available to minimise disruption during construction and whether the contractor has the resources required to meet the revised timetable.

The governor’s directive provides an opportunity to assess progress on the project, but the announcement alone does not establish whether the requested report was submitted or whether a new completion date has been agreed.

As of publication, an updated statement from the relevant agencies or contractor would be needed to establish the current construction status and the next steps towards reopening the bridge.