By Charles Pemu 
The collapse of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State has sent ripple effects through Nigeria’s food supply chain, causing a dramatic surge in prices for perishable goods just days before the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Hundreds of trucks transporting essential food items and livestock from the Northern parts of the country to the South are now stranded.
The strategic bridge, a vital artery for food distribution, was destroyed by devastating floods last Thursday, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives. This critical disruption comes as demand for staples like tomatoes, peppers, and onions peaks for the upcoming Muslim festivities on Saturday.
Market leaders confirmed the price hikes, attributing them directly to the bridge’s failure and the Sallah demand. Alhaji Isa Aliyu, President of the National Onion Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Alhaji Umarun Basiru, Chairman of the Tomatoes Traders Association in Kebbi, both confirmed that numerous trucks laden with produce, including 15 trucks of tomatoes and pepper alone worth an estimated N250 million, are marooned in Mokwa.
Food dealers lament massive potential losses as these perishable goods face spoilage due to prolonged transit. Consumers across states like Nasarawa, Kwara, Lagos, and Damaturu are reporting sharp price increases, with a basket of tomatoes now ranging from N20,000 to N70,000, significantly higher than previous weeks.
Farmers and traders expressed grave concerns about the impending scarcity and its impact on household budgets. Calls are mounting for urgent government intervention to repair the bridge and facilitate the movement of goods, as the crisis worsens an already challenging economic situation for many Nigerians.