Works Minister, Umahi,
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge following significant damage caused to Eko Bridge by dredging activities.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made the announcement during an inspection tour of various bridges in Lagos State.
Umahi called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce the closure to prevent any further accidents.
“The dredger that hit the pier cap caused the pier to tumble and sink,” the minister explained.
He confirmed that the dredger’s driver or its owner had been arrested, emphasizing that the Federal Government would take decisive action due to the extent of the damage.
“I also observed a concerning amount of dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge, despite the Federal Executive Council’s ban on dredging within a 10-kilometer radius of all bridges in Nigeria, which was imposed four months ago,” Umahi remarked.
“I am shocked that dredging is still taking place.”
The minister stressed that dredging activities near bridges posed a threat to their structural integrity.
Umahi also appealed to the public to avoid parking or loading on bridges, highlighting the need to protect both the lives of Nigerians and the country’s road infrastructure.
