FG Suspends Planned Closure Of Eko Bridge

The Federal Government has suspended the planned closure of the Eko Bridge in Lagos after a fresh technical assessment confirmed that the structure remains safe for use for now.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the bridge on Tuesday, saying the decision followed concerns raised by President Bola Tinubu over the potential hardship the closure could cause commuters and residents in Lagos.

Umahi explained that although the government had earlier directed that the bridge be shut due to structural concerns, the President ordered a second evaluation to determine whether the closure could be avoided.

According to the minister, engineers reassessed the bridge on Monday and found that the crack discovered on the structure had not worsened.

“We have done our technical evaluation in line with the President’s directive. Putting safety above every decision, we have seen that, for now, the bridge is safe,” Umahi said.

He added that the government would continue to closely monitor the crack to ensure public safety, noting that another inspection would be carried out in due course.

The minister also announced plans for remedial works expected to last about four months. He said the repairs would involve additional piling and reinforcement to stabilise the affected section while allowing the bridge to remain open to traffic.

Umahi further stated that after the temporary repairs, a comprehensive reconstruction of the damaged section would be undertaken, including the removal and replacement of the affected slab.

He commended Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians and pledged the ministry’s commitment to maintaining safety on the bridge.