FG Warns Fish Sellers and Trailer Drivers as Independence Bridge Nears Breaking Point

By Achimi Muktar

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Lagos residents over the misuse of some of the city’s most critical bridges, even as it assures that recent emergency works on the Independence Bridge may have unexpectedly evolved into a lasting solution.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on Sunday, Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi revealed that the temporary repair work carried out on Independence Bridge had shown promising signs of long-term stability.

“Let me assure you,” Umahi said, “the temporary work is turning out to be the permanent work. We have been observing it, and we have not noticed any settlement. In three weeks, if there’s still no movement, that’s the end of the job.”

But beneath the good news, a wave of concern is rising.

Bridges Misused: ‘We Saw Fish Markets on the Bridge’

Umahi sounded the alarm over the disturbing trend of misusing major bridges in Lagos, citing shocking instances of commercial activity and unauthorized parking threatening their structural integrity.

“At Independence Bridge, we saw people taking fish from the sea and selling them on the bridge,” he said. “Motorists park on the bridge to buy fish. That is not good.”

The minister also condemned the loading of trailers and buses on Carter Bridge, a violation that he says puts unnecessary strain on infrastructure never intended to bear static loads.

“Our bridges are designed for dynamic loads — vehicles in motion — not static loads like parked cars or market stalls,” he explained.

Government May Shut Down Bridges if Abuse Continues

In a rare and firm tone, Umahi warned that if the misuse of the bridges continues unchecked, the government will have no choice but to shut them down for safety.

“If we continue to abuse these bridges and problems recur like we saw at Independence Bridge, we may be forced to close them,” he said.

According to the minister, four pile caps beneath Independence Bridge still require urgent repairs, and contractors have been directed to swing into action.

He urged Lagosians to recognize that nation-building is a shared responsibility and that safeguarding public infrastructure depends on public cooperation.

“We made an announcement to close the waterway between Eko and Carter Bridge. It is not just about the government; the people are involved too,” he said.

Tinubu’s Focus on Infrastructure

Umahi reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving infrastructure across Nigeria, stressing that attention is being paid not only to new projects but also to the restoration of aging structures.

With bridges showing signs of age and misuse putting lives at risk, the FG’s message is clear: Protect our bridges — or risk losing them.