The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into alleged illegal structures and commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other Federal Government bridges in Lagos State over concerns about possible damage to critical infrastructure and threats to public safety.
The lawmakers directed the House Committees on Works and Public Assets to investigate the developments and determine whether the occupants obtained the necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Lanre Okunlola, representing Surulere II Federal Constituency, Lagos State.
During deliberations, lawmakers expressed concerns that unauthorised activities around Eko Bridge, particularly near its foundations, had reportedly damaged critical structural components, necessitating emergency engineering interventions.
They warned that continued encroachment could weaken the bridges, obstruct routine inspections and maintenance, and expose commuters and neighbouring communities to safety risks.
The motion noted that the occupation of areas beneath and around Federal bridges could interfere with engineering inspections, emergency repairs and future expansion projects.
Eko Bridge is a major transport route connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland and is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.
As part of the investigation, the committees will examine containers, warehouses, makeshift buildings, markets, workshops and other commercial establishments operating within the bridges’ right-of-way.
The Committee on Works is expected to determine whether the structures and business activities comply with the Federal Highways Act, relevant physical planning regulations and guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Similarly, the Committee on Public Assets will investigate possible unlawful occupation, leasing or utilisation of government property and identify individuals, agencies or organisations responsible for any violations.
The House also 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 provide relevant documents to support the investigation.
The requested documents include approved engineering designs, survey plans, right-of-way maps, occupancy permits and other authorisations covering developments beneath and around the affected bridges.
The lawmakers further urged relevant authorities to enforce existing regulations by removing structures illegally established within Federal Government rights-of-way.
They also called for sustainable measures to protect, monitor and maintain Federal bridges across the country.
The two committees are expected to submit their findings to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.
Lawmakers attributed the growing presence of unauthorised developments partly to possible coordination failures among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies.
Comments