Reps order six-week probe of illegal structures under Eko Bridge

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into illegal structures and commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other federal bridges in Lagos State, amid fears that the encroachment is weakening critical infrastructure.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved at plenary by Lanre Okunlola, who represents Surulere II Federal Constituency in Lagos State. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided over the session.

Eko Bridge is one of the main links between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island and is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works.

What lawmakers are worried about

According to the motion, containers, makeshift shops, workshops, warehouses and markets have continued to spring up beneath and around the bridge and adjoining corridors.

Lawmakers said activities near the bridge foundations had reportedly damaged critical structural parts and forced emergency engineering work. They warned that continued occupation could shorten the bridge's lifespan, block inspections and repairs, and put commuters and nearby communities at risk.

The House also questioned whether the occupants hold valid approvals from any federal authority, and whether such approvals, if any, follow the Federal Highways Act, planning rules and the ministry's guidelines.

Lawmakers suggested that weak coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Lagos State Government and other agencies may have allowed the structures to spread.

The House has asked the ministry, FERMA, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority where relevant, and Lagos State physical planning authorities to submit engineering drawings, survey plans, right-of-way maps and occupancy approvals.

The Committee on Works will determine the legality of the structures and businesses, while the Committee on Public Assets will check whether any public asset has been unlawfully occupied, leased or used. Both are to report back within six weeks.

The House also wants enforcement measures, including the removal of structures found to be illegally within the federal right-of-way, and long-term steps to protect federal bridges nationwide.

What happens next

The committees have six weeks to report to the House, which will then decide on further action. The probe comes months after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced emergency repairs in May 2026, when a barge reportedly struck a pile cap and damaged supporting piles. One carriageway was temporarily closed for the work.

For Lagos commuters, the outcome could mean clearer access for engineers and emergency repairs, and fewer safety risks on a bridge that carries heavy daily traffic.