The Federal Government has initiated a decisive cleanup operation beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, targeting decades-old makeshift settlements and commercial structures that authorities say have compromised the bridge’s safety.
During an on-site inspection over the weekend, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, accompanied by engineers from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, raised the alarm over what he described as severe structural deterioration caused by long-term, unauthorized use of the space beneath the bridge.
“We’re not trying to displace people for the sake of it this is a matter of public safety,” Umahi said. “The extent of the damage we’ve seen includes fire-scorched segments, bent beams, and truck impact all caused by illegal human activity under the bridge.”
Engineers from Julius Berger, the company currently handling the rehabilitation contract, have reportedly advised that the bridge may need to be completely dismantled and rebuilt due to the extent of the damage. Originally designed with a headroom of just 3.0 meters significantly below the standard 5.6 meters the bridge has frequently been struck by over-height vehicles, compounding its structural issues.
The Iddo Bridge isn’t the only one at risk. Umahi also identified the Cowry and Independence bridges as having sustained similar forms of abuse, particularly from shops and warehouses set up in violation of safety codes.
“What we’re seeing is a dangerous trend lives being traded for commercial gain,” the Minister said. “We even found chemicals stored under the Iddo Bridge, which previously caused a fire. That alone could have led to a disaster.”
Efforts to remove the occupants had met legal resistance, but Umahi emphasized that no court ruling could override the imperative to safeguard public infrastructure and human life. He has now ordered the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, to ensure the full clearance of illegal structures beneath the bridge by close of business.
In a move to prevent further tampering, law enforcement agencies have been directed to secure the area during the operation. Any valuable items recovered during the demolition are to be properly documented and returned to their rightful owners.
The current intervention forms part of a broader effort to protect Nigeria’s aging infrastructure from neglect and misuse. The Federal Government awarded a contract in 2024 to Julius Berger to rehabilitate the Iddo Bridge, but engineers now warn that long-term fixes may only come through complete reconstruction.
“This is not just about fixing a bridge it’s about protecting lives and ensuring our cities are safe,” Umahi concluded.
