The Federal Government has ordered the demolition of structures beneath the Iddo Under Bridge in Lagos Mainland, Lagos State, citing serious safety concerns and the risk of a potential collapse.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, accompanied by structural engineers and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria, inspected the site and declared the area unsafe for occupation due to extensive damage caused by illegal activities.
“We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt down due to unlawful occupation and activities beneath it,” Umahi said during the inspection. “People have converted the underpass into shops, warehouses, and even residential areas.
“These activities have caused significant damage, to the extent that Julius Berger has advised that the bridge must be completely demolished and reconstructed.”
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Umahi also noted that other bridges in Lagos, such as the Cowry Bridge and the Independence Bridge, had suffered similar damage from illegal human activity.
According to the Minister, efforts to engage with the occupants have been unsuccessful. “They have refused to vacate the premises. They wrote to us, claiming the matter is in court. It appears that what they are selling is more important to them than the lives of Lagosians, but we cannot allow that,” he said.
Following his directive, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, led the demolition of 22 compartments constructed under the bridge.
Each occupier reportedly paid N1.6 million per year to use a compartment, generating a total of N32,200,000 annually for an unidentified individual believed to have rented out the spaces.
One of the occupants, speaking anonymously, disclosed: “They gave us notice to leave last year (2024), but we continue to use the place after promises from the person that gave the place out that we should our minds at rest.
“An occupier pays N1.6 million yearly, and not as if the people in government are not aware. It is possible that this happened due to a change in leadership.”
When asked about the identity of the individual who allocated the space, Kesha said: “I don’t have the identity of the person who gave out the place. The minister only asked us to demolish, and we have done that.
“The Minister has the final say on what to do to those who gave out the place, I don’t know his mind.”