FG Shuts Eko Bridge Lane Over Safety Fears

The Federal Government has announced plans to shut one carriageway of the Eko Bridge from Sunday night to allow for critical repair works.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this while giving an update on the condition of the bridge, assuring motorists that measures would be put in place to manage traffic during the period of rehabilitation.

Umahi said Buildwell Construction Company, alongside professional divers, would carry out a detailed investigation to determine the extent of the structural damage before the final repair design is completed.

According to him, the investigation is expected to be concluded within 10 days to pave the way for the next phase of rehabilitation.

The minister apologised to Lagos residents over the inconvenience the closure may cause, noting that parts of the bridge had suffered severe fire damage in the past due to traders storing chemicals and other combustible materials beneath the structure.

He explained that rehabilitation of the bridge was awarded before the current administration came into office but suffered delays as a result of funding challenges.

Umahi, however, said President Bola Tinubu later approved funding support to ensure continuation of the project.

The minister also revealed that the Federal Government was considering rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland Bridge following concerns over deteriorating structural components and ongoing investigations on some piers and pier caps.

Eko Bridge has witnessed several repair works in recent years due to structural defects and fire incidents.

In March 2022, the Lagos State Government partially closed the bridge for six months for repairs announced by the Federal Ministry of Works.

The bridge had earlier been reopened in August 2021 after a 10-week rehabilitation exercise.

Umahi had also disclosed in October 2023 that repairs on the bridge would require imported equipment valued at about €1.2m.

Several fire outbreaks linked to illegal trading activities beneath the bridge have also contributed to the recurring damage.

The repeated rehabilitation efforts have continued to raise concerns over the structural integrity and long-term sustainability of one of Lagos’ busiest transport corridors.