Reps Probe Illegal Structures Under Eko Bridge, Others

The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Works and Public Assets to investigate alleged illegal encroachment and unauthorised commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other Federal bridges in Lagos State.

The investigation is aimed at determining whether the activities could compromise critical infrastructure, obstruct maintenance work and expose commuters to safety risks.

The probe will examine the legality of containers, makeshift buildings, warehouses, markets, workshops and other commercial premises operating within the bridges’ right-of-way. It will also establish whether any public assets have been illegally occupied, leased or put to unauthorised use.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion on a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Lanre Okunlola, the lawmaker representing Surulere II Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

The House expressed concern that unauthorised activities around Eko Bridge, particularly near its foundations, had reportedly damaged key structural components, necessitating emergency engineering interventions.

It warned that “continued encroachment may undermine the lifespan and structural stability of the bridges, obstruct routine inspections and repairs, and expose commuters and adjoining communities to safety risks.”

The motion also stated that the occupation of areas beneath and adjacent to Federal bridges could impede routine engineering inspections, emergency repairs and future expansion works.

Eko Bridge is a major transport link between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island and is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.

The lawmakers also questioned the legality of commercial operations around the bridges, noting that it was unclear whether the occupants had obtained valid approvals from the appropriate Federal authorities.

They called for an examination of any permits issued to the occupants to determine whether they complied with the Federal Highways Act, applicable planning regulations and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Works.

To establish the facts, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, where applicable, and Lagos State physical planning authorities to submit relevant documents to the committees.

The requested documents include approved engineering drawings, survey plans, right-of-way maps, occupancy approvals and other records relating to developments beneath and around the affected bridges.

Following the adoption of the motion at plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House mandated the Committee on Works to determine “the legality of the structures and commercial activities”.

The Committee on Public Assets, meanwhile, will ascertain “whether any public asset has been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated or used contrary to existing laws”.

The committee is also expected to identify individuals, agencies or organisations responsible for any established violations.

The House further called for appropriate enforcement measures, including the removal of structures found to be illegally occupying the Federal right-of-way.

It also proposed long-term measures to protect, monitor and preserve Federal bridges nationwide.

The committees are expected to submit their reports to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.

The lawmakers attributed the proliferation of unauthorised developments partly to a possible lack of effective coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies.

The investigation comes amid previous concerns about the structural integrity of Eko Bridge.
In May 2026, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced emergency intervention following damage reportedly caused by illegal sand-mining activities around the bridge.

He disclosed that a barge had struck a pile cap, damaging supporting piles and prompting plans for urgent repairs.

The Nigerian Government subsequently announced the temporary closure of one carriageway to facilitate the intervention.

Eko Bridge has also undergone rehabilitation at different times, highlighting the importance of protecting its structural components from activities that could worsen existing defects or complicate maintenance.

The outcome of the House investigation is expected to clarify the status of commercial establishments operating within the affected corridors, establish whether the necessary approvals exist and identify measures to prevent further encroachment.

Beyond Eko Bridge, the inquiry could provide a basis for stronger oversight of activities beneath other Federal bridges in Lagos State, particularly where unauthorised occupation may obstruct engineering inspections, emergency repairs and routine maintenance.