Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that investigations into structural concerns on the Eko Bridge be concluded within 10 days to allow the Federal Government proceed with the next phase of rehabilitation works on the critical Lagos transport infrastructure.
Umahi, while addressing concerns over the condition of the bridge, apologised to residents of Lagos for the traffic disruptions expected during the repair period.
He explained that parts of the bridge had suffered extensive fire damage in the past as a result of traders storing chemicals and other combustible materials beneath the structure.
“Parts of the bridge had previously suffered severe fire damage caused by traders storing chemicals and other goods beneath the structure,” the minister said.
Umahi disclosed that the rehabilitation contract for the bridge had been awarded before the current administration assumed office but that the project suffered delays because of inadequate funding.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu later approved renewed funding support to ensure the continuation of the project.
“The rehabilitation works on the bridge had been awarded before the current administration came into office, but were delayed due to funding challenges,” Umahi stated, adding that “President Bola Tinubu later approved renewed funding support for the project.”
The minister further revealed that the Federal Government was also planning rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland Bridge following growing concerns over deteriorating structural components.
He noted that investigations were ongoing on some affected piers and pier caps on the bridge to determine the extent of deterioration and necessary interventions.
Eko Bridge has undergone several rehabilitation exercises in recent years following structural concerns and repeated fire incidents linked to illegal trading activities beneath the bridge.
In March 2022, the Lagos State Government partially closed the bridge for six months after repair works were announced by the Federal Ministry of Works.
The bridge had earlier been reopened in August 2021 after a 10-week rehabilitation exercise.
In October 2023, Umahi disclosed that repairs on the bridge would require imported equipment valued at about 1.2 million Euros.
Boluwatife Enome
