Reps move to probe illegal structures, commercial activities on Eko Bridge, others

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate alleged illegal encroachment and unauthorised commercial activities within the Right-of-Way of Eko Bridge and other federal bridges across Lagos State, citing concerns over structural safety and the preservation of critical public infrastructure.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Lanre Okunlola, who described Eko Bridge as a strategic Federal Government infrastructure under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works and a major transportation corridor linking Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the proliferation of containers, makeshift structures, warehouses, markets, workshops and other commercial establishments beneath and around the bridge, warning that the developments could undermine its structural integrity, obstruct maintenance operations and endanger commuters.

According to him, recent reports by the Federal Ministry of Works indicated that illegal activities around Eko Bridge, including unauthorised operations near its foundations, had damaged critical structural components and necessitated emergency engineering interventions to safeguard the infrastructure.

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Hon. Okunlola noted that the ministry had consistently maintained that the Right-of-Way of federal roads and bridges was protected against unauthorised developments, stressing that structures erected within designated areas constituted illegal encroachments.

The House further warned that the continued occupation of areas beneath and adjacent to federal bridges posed significant risks, including fire outbreaks, poor environmental sanitation, restricted access for engineering inspections and repairs, and the possible reduction of the bridges’ operational lifespan.

The lawmaker also expressed concern that some occupants of the affected areas might not possess valid approvals from the appropriate authorities, raising questions about compliance with the Federal Highways Act, applicable planning regulations and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Works.

To establish the legality of the developments, the House urged Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, where applicable, and the Lagos State physical planning authorities to submit approved engineering drawings, survey plans, Right-of-Way maps, occupancy approvals and other relevant documents concerning developments around Eko Bridge.

The House also called on the Ministry and other relevant agencies to introduce appropriate enforcement measures, including the removal of structures found to be illegally occupying federal Right-of-Way areas.

The House further urged the relevant MDAs to develop long-term strategies for protecting, monitoring and preserving federal bridges nationwide, noting that inadequate coordination among the relevant agencies might have contributed to the proliferation of unauthorised developments.

Consequently, the lawmakers mandated the House Committee on Works to investigate commercial activities, container terminals, markets and other structures beneath and within the Right-of-Way of Eko Bridge and other federal bridges in Lagos State, determine their legality and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House also mandated the Committee on Public Assets to ascertain whether any public assets had been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated or used contrary to existing laws, and identify the individuals, agencies or organisations responsible.