The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into alleged illegal occupation and unauthorised commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other Federal bridges in Lagos State over concerns that the developments could compromise structural safety and endanger commuters.
The House mandated its Committees on Works and Public Assets to investigate the legality of containers, makeshift structures, warehouses, markets, workshops and other commercial establishments operating within the bridges’ rights-of-way.
The investigation will also determine whether public assets have been unlawfully occupied, leased or used in violation of existing laws.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Lanre Okunlola.
Lawmakers expressed concern that unauthorised activities around Eko Bridge, particularly near its foundations, had reportedly damaged critical structural components and necessitated emergency engineering intervention.
They warned that continued encroachment could undermine the bridges’ structural stability, shorten their lifespan, obstruct routine inspections and repairs, and expose commuters and adjoining communities to safety risks.
The House further observed that the occupation of areas beneath and around Federal bridges could impede emergency repairs and future expansion works.
Eko Bridge, a major transport link connecting Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.
The lawmakers also questioned whether occupants of the affected areas had obtained valid approvals from the appropriate Federal authorities.
They called for an examination of existing permits to establish compliance with the Federal Highways Act, applicable planning regulations and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Works.
To facilitate the investigation, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, where applicable, and Lagos State physical planning authorities to submit relevant documents to the committees.
The requested documents include approved engineering drawings, survey plans, right-of-way maps, occupancy approvals and other records relating to developments beneath and around the affected bridges.
Following the adoption of the motion at plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House directed the Committee on Works to determine the legality of the structures and commercial activities.
The Committee on Public Assets was tasked with establishing whether any public asset had been compromised, occupied, leased or used contrary to existing laws. It is also expected to identify individuals, agencies or organisations responsible for any established violations.
The House further called for appropriate enforcement measures, including the removal of structures found to be illegally occupying Federal rights-of-way.
It also proposed long-term measures to protect, monitor and preserve Federal bridges across the country.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.
Lawmakers attributed the proliferation of unauthorised developments partly to possible lapses in coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies.
The proposed investigation comes amid previous structural concerns involving Eko Bridge.
In May 2026, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced emergency intervention following reported damage linked to illegal sand-mining activities around the bridge.
Umahi disclosed that a barge had struck a pile cap, damaging supporting piles and prompting plans for urgent repairs. The Federal Government subsequently announced the temporary closure of one carriageway to facilitate the intervention.
The bridge has undergone rehabilitation at different times, highlighting the importance of protecting its structural components from activities that could worsen existing defects or hinder maintenance.
The House investigation is expected to establish the status of commercial establishments operating within the affected corridors, determine whether the required approvals exist and recommend measures to prevent further encroachment.
Beyond Eko Bridge, the inquiry could strengthen oversight of activities beneath other Federal bridges in Lagos State, particularly where unauthorised occupation may obstruct engineering inspections, emergency repairs and routine maintenance.
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