The Federal Government has pulled down 22 illegal structures built under the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, following safety concerns raised by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
The demolition took place on Monday, May 27, after an inspection visit to the bridge by Umahi, along with structural engineers and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria on Sunday, May 25.
According to Umahi, illegal shops, warehouses, and even homes built under the bridge had caused serious damage to the structure.
“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.
“People have turned the space into shops and houses. Julius Berger has advised that the bridge must be completely demolished and rebuilt. It’s that bad,” he added.
The Minister also said the Cowry Bridge and Independence Bridge have suffered similar damage from illegal human activities. He explained that some of the illegal occupants refused to leave, saying the matter was already in court.
“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,” Umahi stated.
He directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, to carry out the demolition without delay.
Meanwhile, it was discovered that someone had been collecting rent from the illegal users of the space under the bridge. About N32.2 million was being collected yearly from the 22 occupants, with each paying around N1.6 million per year.
One of the occupants, who spoke anonymously, said, “They gave us notice to leave last year, but we continued to stay because the person who rented it out told us not to worry. Maybe it continued because of leadership changes.”
When asked about who was responsible for renting out the space, Kesha said, “I don’t have the identity of the person that 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 that gave out the place.”
The Federal Government said it would not allow lives to be put at risk for illegal gain.
