By Peter Omopo
Lagos | July 5, 2025 — The Federal Government has approved N17 billion for the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, significantly reducing the initial project cost from N27 billion following negotiations with the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the damaged bridge on Friday. The bridge, a key link within Lagos’ transport infrastructure, suffered severe damage from a fire caused by illegal settlements and hazardous activities under its structure.
“Julius Berger quoted around N27 billion initially, but after extensive negotiation, we agreed on N17 billion,” Umahi told reporters. He commended the company’s new management for their cooperation, referring to them as a “born-again Berger” for their openness and flexibility in reviewing the project scope and cost.
The minister noted that the repair work had expanded beyond simple rehabilitation to a major reconstruction effort. He said three spans of the bridge were badly damaged in the fire, which was caused by illegal occupants who had built structures and stored flammable chemicals beneath the bridge.
“These people turned the underbridge into a residential and commercial area, built block walls, stored chemicals, and lit fires that eventually destroyed three bridge spans,” Umahi explained.
He added that in addition to fire damage, the bridge had suffered continuous impact from heavy-duty trucks due to low clearance. Currently with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, the ministry plans to increase it to at least 5.6 metres to prevent further structural collisions.
“No one will be allowed to live under the Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works,” Umahi declared, emphasizing that public safety takes precedence over illegal occupation.
He said the Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to restoring and protecting critical infrastructure, warning that abuse of public assets would no longer be tolerated.
The Iddo Bridge is a vital infrastructure serving commuters within Lagos Mainland and linking major road networks in the commercial capital.
