The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation and demolition of illegal structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos over safety concerns, citing the risk of imminent collapse due to severe structural damage.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, gave the directive during an inspection of the bridge on Sunday. He was accompanied by a team of structural engineers and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., the construction firm handling the rehabilitation project.
Umahi revealed that unlawful human activities beneath the bridge—including the conversion of the underpass into shops, warehouses, and living quarters—have compromised its structural integrity. According to him, a report from Julius Berger recommended a complete demolition and reconstruction of the bridge.
“We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt down due to unlawful occupation and activities beneath it. These activities have caused significant damage,” Umahi said.
The minister also noted that other bridges in Lagos, such as the Cowry and Independence Bridges, have been similarly affected. He decried resistance from the illegal occupants despite repeated warnings and noted that some had gone as far as taking the matter to court.
“They have refused to vacate the premises. They wrote to us, claiming the matter is in court. But we cannot allow trading to be more important than the lives of Lagosians,” he said.
Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, to ensure that all illegal structures are removed by the close of business on Monday. He also ordered the deployment of police officers to secure any valuables found during the demolition.
“We are not trying to punish anyone. We are trying to save lives. Every illegal structure under this bridge must go before Monday ends,” he stressed.
The minister reiterated that the Iddo Bridge had suffered multiple impacts from trucks due to low headroom—some sections measuring as low as 3.0 metres against the recommended 5.6 metres—causing frequent collisions and fires that further weakened the structure.
He warned against the sale of chemicals near the bridge, citing past incidents where flammable substances led to fires that damaged the infrastructure.
The Federal Government awarded the contract for the bridge’s rehabilitation in 2024 to Julius Berger Plc. The ongoing demolition is seen as a crucial step to pave the way for a comprehensive structural assessment and eventual reconstruction.
