The Federal Government has announced a major investment of approximately N15 billion to address critical structural issues plaguing the Iddo Bridge in Lagos. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this during a project inspection tour in Lagos, setting a firm deadline for the completion of all repair works by the end of June 2026.
Addressing Heritage Problems and Fire Damage
Minister Umahi described the bridge's issues as "heritage problems," exacerbated by a past fire outbreak caused by illegal occupants living underneath the structure. The fire severely damaged three spans on each of the bridge's two carriageways, totaling six compromised sections. The current rehabilitation strategy involves reinforcing one carriageway to handle all traffic temporarily while the damaged spans on the opposite side are completely removed.
"We have reinforced one of the carriageways so that traffic can be diverted totally to it. The three spans on the first carriageway will be removed completely by the end of April," Umahi stated. Once this first phase is done, traffic will switch to the repaired section, allowing work to begin on the second carriageway.
Raising Clearance and Enhancing Security
A key challenge identified is the bridge's inadequate headroom, currently at about 4.5 metres, which is below the desired standard. The government is now targeting a uniform minimum clearance of 6.5 metres for bridges nationwide. To achieve this at Iddo, the existing route beneath will be excavated and deepened, with reconstruction using reinforced concrete.
Furthermore, Umahi announced plans to install CCTV surveillance systems around the Iddo Bridge and other strategic locations post-construction, similar to the setup on the Third Mainland Bridge. This is part of a broader directive to remove all illegal occupants from under bridges across Nigeria to protect infrastructure.
Contractor's Approach and Traffic Management
The contractor, Julius Berger, is executing the project in stages to minimise disruption. Thomas Christl, the company's Regional Manager in Lagos, explained that the two carriageways are being separated to facilitate traffic diversion. From next week, traffic will shift to one side, allowing the other half to be demolished and rebuilt.
"When this is done, by the end of March, most likely within that range, we will shift traffic to the newly constructed side, then demolish and rebuild the other half of the bridge," Christl said. Additional works include constructing a new underpass and upgrading drainage systems to channel water directly into the lagoon, mitigating flood risks.
Nationwide Bridge Audit and Safety Assurances
Beyond the Iddo project, Minister Umahi has ordered a nationwide audit of all strategic bridges. He cited illegal sand mining, lack of maintenance, and age-related wear as primary causes of bridge deformation, noting many Nigerian bridges have exceeded their 75-year lifespan with minimal upkeep.
While assuring commuters that bridges like Carter, Iddo, and the Third Mainland are currently safe, Umahi warned that heavy trucks have been restricted and that a bridge could be totally closed if safety conditions deteriorate. He directed the formation of a multi-disciplinary committee to study all Lagos bridges and other key national infrastructure within ten days.
"A stitch in time saves nine. Within the next ten days, I want to see the committees so that I will make funds available to support their work," the Minister emphasized.
