The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has called for the immediate closure of the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos after dredging activities caused significant damage to the Eko Bridge. The Minister made the urgent plea during an inspection tour of various bridges in the state, highlighting the risks posed to public safety and road infrastructure due to unchecked dredging operations.
Umahi’s statement came after it was discovered that a dredger had struck a crucial part of the Eko Bridge, damaging the pier cap and causing the pier to collapse. The resulting structural damage has left authorities concerned about the long-term stability of the bridge, which serves as a critical route for commuters in Lagos.
According to Umahi, the driver of the dredger involved in the incident, along with the owner of the dredging company, had been arrested. He expressed the Federal Government’s intention to take decisive action against those responsible for the damage. The Minister revealed that the damage to the Eko Bridge was substantial, and he emphasized the need to prevent further harm by closing off the affected waterway immediately.
“This is a very serious situation. The dredger hit the pier cap, causing the pier to tumble, and it eventually sunk,” Umahi said during his tour. He further warned that continued dredging activities near bridges pose a major risk to their structural integrity, which could lead to disastrous consequences for commuters and the surrounding areas.
In addition to the damage at Eko Bridge, Umahi also pointed out a worrying incident along Third Mainland Bridge, where dredging operations were still ongoing despite a federal ban. The Federal Executive Council had imposed a ban on dredging within a 10-kilometer radius of all bridges across Nigeria about four months ago. However, Umahi expressed his shock and dismay that dredging continued to take place near these vital infrastructure sites, despite the clear risks involved.
“I am shocked that dredging is still happening in areas close to these important bridges, despite the ban,” Umahi said. The Minister warned that the actions of illegal dredgers are undermining the structural integrity of the country’s bridges, which could lead to catastrophic failures if left unchecked.
Umahi also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the safety and longevity of Nigeria’s road infrastructure. The government has implemented the ban on dredging near bridges in order to protect these vital structures from damage. The Minister underscored the importance of enforcing these regulations and called on state and local authorities to cooperate in curbing illegal dredging activities.
“This damage could have been avoided if the dredging activities had been carried out in accordance with the rules,” said Umahi. “It is crucial that we all work together to ensure the safety of our bridges and the lives of Nigerians who depend on them every day.”
He further appealed to the public to assist in maintaining the safety of bridges by avoiding illegal parking and loading on them. Such activities put unnecessary strain on the bridges and increase the risk of damage, he said. Umahi stressed the importance of safeguarding both human lives and the country’s road infrastructure.
Umahi’s remarks also directed attention to the need for stricter enforcement of regulations around dredging and the use of waterways near bridges. While many dredging companies are required to obtain permits and follow established guidelines, illegal dredging activities continue to pose significant risks to Nigeria’s infrastructure. The Minister’s inspection tour included a visit to various bridges in Lagos, where he closely observed ongoing construction and maintenance work.
The Minister’s call for action has also prompted Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take immediate steps to enforce the closure of the affected waterway and prevent any further dredging activities around the Eko and Carter bridges. Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to coordinate with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other relevant agencies to ensure that the necessary measures are implemented.
Dredging activities, while necessary for maintaining navigable waterways, can also have serious consequences when carried out improperly or near critical infrastructure. The impact of such activities on bridges, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, can lead to long-term damage that may compromise the safety of millions of commuters. Nigeria’s bridge network, particularly in Lagos, is crucial for daily transportation and commerce, making the need for safeguarding these structures even more urgent.
In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially in Lagos, where traffic congestion and the condition of roads and bridges have been sources of frustration for residents. As the commercial hub of Nigeria, Lagos relies heavily on its road networks, and any damage to major bridges like the Eko Bridge or Third Mainland Bridge could have a devastating effect on the city’s economy and mobility.
Umahi’s intervention highlights the Federal Government’s recognition of the risks posed by illegal dredging and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the country’s infrastructure. By enforcing regulations and ensuring that dredging operations are properly managed, the government aims to protect not only the bridges but also the safety of millions of Nigerians who rely on them.
The recent incident involving the Eko Bridge serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in managing its infrastructure. While the Federal Government has taken steps to address the issue of illegal dredging, much more needs to be done to ensure that all dredging activities are properly regulated and that violators face appropriate penalties.
As the government and local authorities work to resolve the current situation, there is an urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing regulations. Public awareness campaigns, stricter monitoring, and increased penalties for illegal dredging could help prevent further damage to Nigeria’s infrastructure. In the meantime, the Federal Ministry of Works will continue its efforts to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s bridges and waterways.
