🔥 FG Approves ₦17 Billion for Lagos Iddo Bridge Rebuild After Devastating Fire — Umahi Confirms

In a move that underscores the scale of infrastructure decay and emergency response in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced plans to spend a staggering ₦17 billion on the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, which suffered major structural damage following a destructive fire incident.

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who confirmed that the extensive repair work will commence shortly to restore the critical gateway connecting Lagos Mainland to the Island.

The Iddo Bridge, one of the busiest transportation links in Nigeria’s commercial capital, was recently gutted by fire allegedly caused by illegal activities beneath the bridge—including makeshift settlements and commercial cooking spots.

The resulting inferno scorched vital structural elements, forcing partial closure and sparking nationwide concern over the safety and durability of the country’s public infrastructure.

Senator Umahi, during an inspection tour, revealed that the government has already assessed the level of damage and concluded that full rehabilitation—not just patchwork—is required.

He stated that ₦17 billion has been earmarked to rebuild and reinforce the bridge using modern safety standards, noting that this cost includes demolishing illegal structures, strengthening the bridge's integrity, and introducing surveillance systems to prevent future misuse.

The fire, which erupted without warning, highlighted a dangerous pattern repeated across many Nigerian cities—bridges and public infrastructure being compromised by uncontrolled urban activities.

Umahi did not hold back, blaming weak enforcement and negligence for the disaster, and vowed that under his watch, bridges will no longer be turned into “markets and kitchens.”

As traffic in Lagos remains a daily battle, the Iddo Bridge is more than a steel-and-concrete structure—it is a lifeline.

Its partial closure has already worsened gridlock, and the prospect of full reconstruction may mean prolonged disruptions.

However, Lagos residents and transporters appear cautiously optimistic, hoping that this time, the Federal Government’s promise will lead to tangible results.

In the aftermath of the fire and the billions now committed to fixing its consequences, one truth blazes brighter than the flames that started it: neglect is always more expensive than prevention.