• 50 expansion joints to be replaced on Ijora Marine-Apapa Link Bridge
The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the removal of illegal market structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the directive yesterday during a joint inspection with stakeholders, including representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Works.

The inspection, led by top engineers and ministry officials, uncovered severe threats to the structural integrity of the bridge. Years of damage caused by heavy trucks and the activities of illegal traders had compromised its condition.

Particularly concerning were signs of fire damage from chemical products sold under the bridge and the dangerously low headroom of three metres, far below the regulatory minimum of 5.6 metres, resulting in frequent collisions by large vehicles.

“We must call illegality, illegality,” the minister declared, emphasising the situation’s urgency.

Umahi disclosed that rehabilitation work on the bridge had commenced, following the award of a contract to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in 2024. Initially valued at N5 billion, the project will include additional structural repairs identified during the inspection.

While noting that the core structural elements of the bridge remain intact, the minister highlighted significant deterioration of the deck, including visible cracks. Milling and resurfacing work is set to take place on weekends to minimise traffic disruptions, with more intensive repairs, such as the replacement of expansion joints, scheduled for nighttime closures on weekdays.

Also, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, during the inspection at the Marine Bridge, also known as the Ijora Marine-Apapa Link Bridge, highlighted that further safety-critical repair works have been scheduled.

She explained that the ongoing repairs would include replacing 50 defective expansion joints and bearings over a two-kilometre stretch of the bridge. She outlined diversion plans for both light and heavy vehicles, urging articulated trucks to avoid the repair zone entirely and use alternative routes via Costain and Iganmu.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, confirmed the ministry’s approval for a full closure of the Marine Bridge for 21 days to allow for the safe lifting of bridge spans to replace bearings.