The Lagos State Government has issued a firm directive for the immediate eviction of all squatters and illegal occupants under the newly constructed Opebi–Mende Bridge in Ikeja.
This follows reports that the underside of the bridge, which is yet to be officially commissioned, has been turned into makeshift shelters, shops, mechanic workshops, and informal business spaces by people from nearby communities.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement in a statement released on Thursday by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina. He described the development as “disturbing and unacceptable,” warning that the state government will not allow vital public infrastructure to be hijacked by miscreants or illegal settlers.
“It is disheartening that an iconic project nearing completion has been taken over by squatters,” Wahab said. “The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, and this administration will not fail in that responsibility.”
He said that persons from the Cane Village area and other neighbouring communities had built shanties under the bridge, creating an unplanned and unauthorized settlement that poses serious security and environmental risks.
Wahab ordered immediate action by law enforcement and environmental task forces to clear out the area and warned that any attempt to reoccupy the space after eviction would be met with strict surveillance and enforcement.
In addition, the commissioner issued a warning to automobile mechanics who have converted nearby open spaces into makeshift workshops. He said such activities were illegal and anyone who refused to vacate the premises would have their equipment and vehicles impounded.
“The state government will not condone any abuse of public spaces meant to serve the people of Lagos,” Wahab stated.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, who led a team of officials on an inspection tour of the site, also expressed deep concern about the situation.
He warned that if immediate steps were not taken, the area could quickly deteriorate into a slum, undoing the state’s investment and infrastructure efforts in the area.
Daramola said the government had spent significant funds on the construction of the Opebi–Mende Link Bridge as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in Ikeja and link key road networks, and would not allow the project to be compromised by illegal activities.
“We cannot allow a project of this magnitude to become a hiding place for criminals or to lose its value due to environmental abuse,” he said.
He assured residents and commuters that the Office of Infrastructure is working closely with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to restore order and prevent future misuse of the space.
The Lagos State Government has continued to warn residents across the state against building or settling on unauthorised public property, especially critical infrastructure areas such as bridges, canals, and drainage systems. Officials say this move is part of broader efforts to maintain urban order, reduce crime, and protect government investment in public projects.
