The Federal Government has demolished 22 illegal structures built under the Iddo Bridge in Lagos State, citing serious safety concerns. The operation, executed by the Ministry of Works, followed a directive from the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during a recent inspection of the site alongside structural engineers and Julius Berger Nigeria officials.
Umahi, who visited the location on Sunday, May 25, raised alarm over the bridge’s compromised integrity, blaming the deterioration on unauthorized human activities underneath the structure.
“We are here with experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt and severely damaged due to illegal occupation and activities beneath it. The underpass has been turned into shops, warehouses, and even homes. Julius Berger has advised that the entire bridge now needs to be demolished and rebuilt,” he stated.
He added that other major bridges, including Cowry and Independence bridges, had also sustained similar damage from illegal encroachments.
The demolition comes amid revelations of a shady rent operation under the bridge. Authorities discovered that an unidentified individual had been collecting approximately N32.2 million annually by renting out the spaces to 22 occupants at N1.6 million per unit. This illegal enterprise continued despite a vacation notice issued in 2024.
One of the occupants, who spoke anonymously, claimed they remained at the site based on reassurances from the person who leased the space. “We were told not to worry and that the situation was under control,” the source said.
When asked about who allocated the spaces, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, said: “I don’t have the identity of the person who leased out the place. The minister instructed us to demolish the structures, and we have complied. The decision on further actions lies with the minister.”
Despite resistance from some of the illegal occupants—who cited an ongoing court case—the Federal Government has maintained that public safety must come first.
“We cannot allow what people are selling to become more important than the lives of Lagosians,” Umahi declared.
