Federal Government Moves To Secure Iddo Bridge With Demolition Of Illegal Structures.
The Federal Government has launched an urgent operation to evacuate and demolish illegal structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, citing grave safety concerns and the risk of the bridge’s imminent collapse. The directive, issued by the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, follows an inspection on Sunday, 25 May 2025, alongside structural engineers and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor tasked with the bridge’s rehabilitation.
The Iddo Bridge, a critical link connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, has suffered significant structural damage due to unlawful activities beneath it, including the storage and sale of inflammable chemicals, which have caused fires and compromised the bridge’s integrity. During the inspection, Umahi revealed that the bridge’s beams have been damaged by vehicle impacts and fires, with experts from Julius Berger warning that the structure may require complete demolition and reconstruction. “We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt down due to unlawful occupation and activities beneath it,” Umahi said. “These activities have caused significant damage, to the extent that Julius Berger has advised that the bridge must be completely demolished and reconstructed.”
The minister issued a seven-day ultimatum on 30 April 2025 for traders and occupants to vacate the area, with demolition commencing immediately after the deadline. “We are not trying to punish anyone; we are trying to save lives. Every illegal structure under this bridge must go,” Umahi declared, emphasising that no relocation plans would be provided for those engaged in activities endangering the bridge. He added that similar evacuation orders would apply to other Lagos bridges, such as the Cowry and Independence Bridges, where trading activities have also caused structural concerns.
The rehabilitation of Iddo Bridge, awarded to Julius Berger in 2024 for approximately ₦5 billion, includes replacing 50 defective expansion joints and bearings over a two-kilometre stretch. The Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, assured the public that while the bridge is not at immediate risk of collapse, urgent repairs are necessary to address vibrations caused by weakened bearings. “This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases. It won’t collapse, but it definitely needs help,” Kesha stated, noting that alternative routes via Ijora and Apapa have been designated for motorists during the repair period.
Umahi confirmed that the Marine Bridge, connected to Iddo, will face a 21-day full closure to facilitate the replacement of heavy bearings, some weighing over 450kg. To minimise disruption, the Ministry of Works will announce closure dates, deploy detailed traffic diversion plans, and provide contact lines for public engagement. “This is a civilised society; we respect Lagosians,” Umahi said, praising Julius Berger’s expertise in handling complex infrastructure projects.
The operation has garnered public support, with posts on X describing it as a critical step to safeguard lives and infrastructure. The move aligns with broader efforts by both federal and Lagos State governments to address structural risks, as seen in recent demolitions of unsafe buildings, such as the Mopol 20 Barracks in Ikeja. The Federal Government’s decisive action underscores its commitment to protecting Lagos’s vital infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
