Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to the Lagos State Government and relevant authorities to close the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge after uncovering critical safety threats, including severe structural damage caused by dredging activities during a recent inspection of major bridges in the state.
During his inspection of major infrastructure projects in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister expressed grave concern over the structural integrity of key components—especially the piers and pile caps, which are foundations crucial to bridge stability. Umahi disclosed that a dredger had struck and severely damaged one of the piers supporting the Eko Bridge. “A whole pier was totally removed. What is holding that particular section is only the reinforcement rods, some of which have also been damaged,” he lamented, describing the situation as “an emergency.”
Umahi explained that while he initially considered shutting down the bridge, a delicate but feasible restoration plan has been devised to avoid closure. However, he stressed the immediate danger posed by the sunken dredger in the waterway. “The dredger that caused this damage tumbled and got sunk. Part of it is still visible above water, and this can be dangerous for boats or ships that ply that route,” he warned. “What is safe is for that section of the waterway to be closed down.”
Umahi appealed directly to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other stakeholders, including the Navy, to enforce the closure. “I’m announcing that the waterways between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge should be closed to boat and ship traffic to save lives.” He clarified that his directive pertains solely to the waterway, not the bridges themselves, stating, “Don’t go and say that I announced Carter Bridge and Eko Bridge closed.”
He raised broader concerns about the state of Lagos’ bridges and the ongoing threat of illegal dredging. Umahi expressed dismay at discovering active dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge, despite a Federal Executive Council (FEC) ban imposed four months ago on any form of dredging within a 10-kilometre radius of all bridges in Nigeria. “So I was very shocked to see that dredging is still taking place,” he said. He warned that such activities undermine the structural integrity of bridges, explaining, “All the piles in Lagos State were executed through skin friction, which means that it is the sand that is holding the piles and holding the bridge. If we continue to excavate this sand, it is dangerous.”
Umahi concluded with a call for public cooperation, urging an end to parking and loading on bridges, which are designed for dynamic—not static—loads. “Please help us to announce that there should be no trading on the bridges. Announce that there is no parking and loading of passengers on the bridges,” he pleaded, reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s infrastructure and the lives of its citizens.
Meanwhile, Project Coordinator at Buildwell, Ghassan Kaadi, highlighting the progress of the rehabilitation works reported that about 75 per cent of the works for Eko Bridge have been completed. He said 700 meters of expansion joints had been installed out of 1,000 meters, and 2,500 meters of concrete handrails completed out of a total 6,000 meters. Solar lighting installations are also near completion.
