The Federal Government on Sunday began the demolition of illegal structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, citing serious safety risks and the threat of imminent collapse.

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, gave the directive during an inspection of the bridge alongside structural engineers and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

Umahi raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the bridge, attributing the damage to unlawful human activities beneath it.

“We are here with bridge experts to assess the Iddo Bridge, which suffered significant damage due to illegal occupation and activities underneath,” Umahi said. “People have turned the underpass into shops, warehouses, and even residential spaces.”

According to the minister, the extent of the damage prompted Julius Berger to recommend the complete demolition and reconstruction of the bridge.

He also identified similar structural concerns under Cowry and Independence Bridges, which have been affected by comparable misuse.

Efforts by the government to engage the illegal occupants had reportedly been resisted, with some claiming that the issue is currently in court.

“They have refused to vacate the area, arguing that the case is sub judice. But we cannot stand by while lives are at risk,” Umahi emphasized.

He instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, to ensure that all illegal structures beneath the bridge are demolished by the end of Monday.

“This is a life-saving measure. The structural integrity of the bridge is already compromised. Some beams have been hit by trucks, others have been burnt. We must act now,” he said.

To maintain order during the demolition, Umahi ordered that police personnel be stationed at the site to secure any property recovered.

“Any items found, even a pin, must be recorded and returned. So far, we’ve only seen iron doors and partitions, with no major valuables,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, Umahi stressed that the demolition was non-negotiable.

“We’re not punishing anyone. Our priority is to protect lives. Every illegal structure under this bridge must be removed by Monday,” he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contract for the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge was awarded to Julius Berger Plc in 2024.

In a previous statement in April, Umahi identified low headroom clearance as a major concern. A section of the bridge reportedly has a clearance of just 3.0 metres, significantly below the 5.6-metre minimum standard. This has resulted in frequent truck collisions, damaging the bridge’s underside.

Additionally, the minister raised concerns about nearby shops selling chemicals, noting that a fire from one such shop had previously caused substantial damage to the bridge.

Umahi concluded by stating that the bridge’s structural components have been severely compromised and require urgent intervention.