LAGOS, Nigeria — The Federal Government has ordered the demolition of makeshift structures beneath the Iddo Under Bridge in Lagos Mainland, following revelations that a yet-to-be-identified individual has been illegally collecting over N32 million annually in rent from occupants of the space.
The directive, issued on Sunday, May 25, 2025, came during an inspection visit by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alongside structural engineers and officials of Julius Berger Nigeria.
The minister cited serious structural concerns, including the risk of bridge collapse due to unlawful human activity beneath the infrastructure.
“We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt down due to unlawful occupation and activities beneath it,” Umahi said.
“People have converted the underpass into shops, warehouses, and even residential areas. These activities have caused significant damage, to the extent that Julius Berger has advised that the bridge must be completely demolished and reconstructed.”
According to Umahi, similar patterns of encroachment and damage have also been observed at the Cowry Bridge and Independence Bridge.
He noted that previous efforts by the government to dislodge the illegal occupants were met with resistance, with some of them reportedly taking legal action to halt the eviction.
“They have refused to vacate the premises. They wrote to us, claiming the matter is in court,” the minister said.
“It appears that what they are selling is more important to them than the lives of Lagosians, but we cannot allow that.”
Following his directive, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, oversaw the demolition of 22 illegal compartments located under the bridge.
A report revealed that each occupier of a compartment was paying N1.6 million annually in rent, amounting to N32.2 million in total per year.
The identity of the individual or entity collecting the funds remains unknown.
One of the affected tenants, who spoke under anonymity, said they had received notice to vacate the premises in 2024, but were assured by the unnamed ‘landlord’ that they could remain.
“An occupier pays N1.6 million yearly, and not as if the people in government are not aware,” the source said.
“It is possible that this happened due to a change in leadership.”
