Overview:

: Steel foot Bridge, Built by Lord Lugard, Kaduna State is a pedestrian bridge located in Kaduna state in Nigeria. It was built by Lord Lugard, who was the British colonial administrator in Northern Nigeria from 1898 and 1905. It is believed to be the oldest surviving public bridge in Nigeria, and is still in use today. The bridge is an example of British colonial architecture, featuring three arches and a steel rail affixed to the sides of the bridge. The bridge is also an important icon in Kaduna state, and is a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

The steel foot bridge in Kaduna State, Nigeria, was built by Governor-General Lord Lugard in 1923. The bridge was created to facilitate the transportation of goods between the city center of Kaduna and the surrounding rural area. It is considered to be one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in Nigeria and the region. The bridge is a single-span steel arch footbridge, measuring 22.8m wide. It is made of steel plates with a concrete base and is supported by 6 non-drilled cylindrical columns. Its design was inspired by ancient military style, with the columns supporting two large metal arched beams. It is a popular tourist destination, and a site of historic significance given its connection to Lord Lugard. The bridge was named after the Governor-General who commissioned it, and it has been listed as a National Monument by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments since 1996. Though in need of restoration, the bridge is still a popular attraction in the Kaduna city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The Steel Footbridge over the Kaduna River was mainly built by the colonial administrator, Lord Lugard, to expand the trade routes and develop communication between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The bridge was built in 1922, and it is still standing today, acting as a vital link between Kaduna State and the rest of Nigeria. The steel footbridge is 467 meters in length and was built with a combination of steel and wood, however, the steel was the main component of the bridge. The bridge was considered to be a major engineering feat at the time and it served the purpose of providing an easier and more efficient way to cross the river. At the time of construction, this bridge was the second longest bridge in sub-Saharan Africa and featured a cantilever truss design, making it very sturdy and capable of handling the water's current. The bridge served as a crucial element in the development of Kaduna State, and is still in use to this day. It is a symbol of one of the most ambitious feats of engineering ever seen in Nigeria. Lord Lugard is only remembered for this incredible leg of work. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Steel foot bridge was the first bridge in Nigeria to be built with steel and was constructed in 1929. 2. The bridge was built to span the Kaduna River and link Kaduna Town with the nearby village of Rigachikum. 3. It was dedicated by Frederick Lugard, later awarded the Order of the British Empire for his significant contributions to Nigeria. 4. The bridge remains as a notable landmark in Kaduna and is known as the “Lugard Bridge” in memory of its pioneering builder. 5. The bridge is 48 metres long and over a metre wide and features steel handrails and balustrades. 6. The bridge was scheduled to be replaced in 2016 but preservation efforts are in progress to keep it. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era