House of Representatives Launches Inquiry into Unauthorized Structures Beneath Lagos Bridges

Legislative Action on Infrastructure Security

The House of Representatives has officially ordered a comprehensive probe into the proliferation of illegal structures and commercial operations situated beneath Eko Bridge and other federal bridges in Lagos State. This directive, prompted by a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Lanre Okunlola, representative for the Surulere II Federal Constituency, seeks to address growing concerns regarding the structural integrity of critical transport routes.

Concerns Over Structural Integrity

According to the motion adopted by the House, the presence of unauthorized containers, warehouses, makeshift workshops, and markets beneath these bridges poses a direct threat to public safety. Lawmakers highlighted that activities occurring near the foundations of Eko Bridge have reportedly resulted in damage to vital structural components, necessitating emergency engineering interventions in the past.

The motion emphasizes that the continued occupation of these spaces creates several risks:

• Obstruction of Maintenance: Unauthorized developments hinder the ability of engineers to perform routine inspections and necessary structural repairs.
• Safety Hazards: The proximity of commercial activities to bridge foundations may compromise the stability of the infrastructure.
• Operational Delays: Future expansion or emergency maintenance works are significantly impeded by the presence of these structures.

Scope of the Investigation

The House has mandated two specific committees—the Committee on Works and the Committee on Public Assets—to lead the inquiry. Their primary objectives include:

• Determining whether occupants of these spaces possess valid permits or approvals from the Federal Ministry of Works.
• Assessing compliance with the Federal Highways Act and relevant physical planning regulations.
• Investigating whether public property has been unlawfully leased or utilized by private entities.
• Identifying any government agencies or individuals responsible for potential regulatory lapses.

The committees have been directed to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, and Lagos State physical planning authorities. These agencies are expected to provide essential documentation, including survey plans, right-of-way maps, and occupancy permits.

Accountability and Future Oversight

During deliberations, members of the House suggested that the current situation is partly the result of a lack of coordination between federal and state agencies. The probe aims to rectify these lapses by establishing clear accountability. Furthermore, the House has called for the immediate enforcement of existing regulations, which includes the removal of any structures found to be in violation of federal rights-of-way.

The committees are expected to report their findings and recommendations to the House within six weeks. Beyond the immediate investigation, lawmakers are urging government agencies to develop more robust, sustainable frameworks for the long-term monitoring and protection of federal bridges across Nigeria.

Conclusion

As a vital link between Lagos Island and the Mainland, the Eko Bridge remains a critical asset for the region’s transport network. The legislative inquiry underscores a growing federal effort to prioritize infrastructure security and ensure that public rights-of-way are managed in accordance with established safety and planning laws. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the effective collaboration between the identified federal and state agencies in the coming weeks.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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