…raise safety concerns, order investigation into encroachment on Federal bridges
By Gloria Ikibah 
The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into alleged illegal structures and unauthorised commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other Federal bridges in Lagos State over concerns that they could threaten infrastructure and endanger commuters.
The House mandated its Committees on Works and Public Assets to investigate the legality of containers, makeshift structures, warehouses, markets, workshops and other commercial establishments operating within the bridges’ right-of-way.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Lanre Okunlola, who represents Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
Lawmakers expressed concern that unauthorised activities around Eko Bridge, particularly near its foundations, had reportedly damaged critical structural components and necessitated emergency engineering intervention.
The House 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 further stated that “the continued occupation of areas beneath and adjacent to Federal bridges may impede routine engineering inspections, emergency repairs and future expansion works while posing significant risks to commuters and adjoining communities.”
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 whether occupants of the affected areas had obtained valid approvals from the appropriate Federal authorities.
They directed the committees to examine any permits issued for the structures and determine whether they comply with the Federal Highways Act, relevant planning regulations and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Works.
To facilitate the investigation, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, where applicable, and Lagos State physical planning authorities to submit relevant documents.
These 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 during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House directed the Committee on Works to determine “the legality of the structures and commercial activities”.
The Committee on Public Assets was tasked with ascertaining “whether any public asset has been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated or used contrary to existing laws”.
It is also expected to identify individuals, agencies or organisations responsible for any violations established during the investigation.
The House called for appropriate enforcement measures, including the removal of structures found to be illegally occupying the Federal right-of-way.
It also urged the development of long-term measures to protect, monitor and preserve Federal bridges nationwide.
The committees are expected to submit their reports within six weeks for further legislative action.
Lawmakers identified possible poor coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies as a factor that may have contributed to the proliferation of unauthorised developments.
The investigation comes amid previous structural concerns involving Eko Bridge.
In May 2026, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced emergency intervention following reported damage 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 Federal Government subsequently announced the temporary closure of one carriageway to facilitate the intervention.
The latest probe is expected to establish the status of commercial establishments operating within the affected corridors, determine whether they have the necessary approvals and identify measures to prevent further encroachment.
Beyond Eko Bridge, the investigation could also strengthen oversight of activities beneath other Federal bridges in Lagos, particularly where unauthorised occupation may obstruct engineering inspections, emergency repairs and routine maintenance.
