Apongbo-Lagos bridge reopens, illegal traders, squatters get 7-day quit notice

Apongbo-Lagos bridge reopens, illegal traders, squatters get 7-day quit notice 

Traffic has gradually returned to Apogbon end of the Eko Bridge in Lagos, less than 24 hours after the repaired flyover was reopened.

“Today, I am happy to announce that the hard work and collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government has paid off with the opening of the Eko Bridge that was closed 15 months ago in March 2022, after a tragic fire.”

With the above statement, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, announced the reopening of the bridge.

The governor also issued a seven-day ultimatum to all traders and illegal squatters to remove their belongings and vacate the space under the Eko Bridge. He directed the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task force) to clear any illegal structure found under the bridge after the ultimatum.

This came more than 15 months after a fire outbreak destroyed the facility.

The bridge was severely damaged at the Apogbon section during the fire caused by illegal trading under it.

The intensity of the inferno was said to have weakened major components and supporting pillars of the bridge, prompting its closure for extensive repair on the entire stretch.

The bridge’s reopening brought huge relief for motorists and commuters, who had endured months of pain moving in and out of the Lagos Island.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Keisha; and General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Lateef Somide, were present at the reopening of the repaired bridge.

Also present are the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Lagos State, Olufemi Daramola.

Sanwo-Olu said the repair at the Apogbon axis had been completed, but disclosed that maintenance work would continue on the infrastructure, which would lead to intermittent closures in the coming months.

He said, “It is with great delight to announce that we have carried out comprehensive tests with the contractor from the Federal Ministry of Works and we believe that Apogbon section of the Eko Bridge can now be opened for motorists.

“But the maintenance work on the entire bridge has not completed. There are lots of bearings that still need to be reinforced along the entire stretch of the infrastructure.”