Nigerian Reps: Probe Eko Bridge Encroachment, Illegal Activities

• The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into illegal encroachments and unauthorized commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other federal bridges in Lagos.
• The probe, initiated by a motion from Lanre Okunlola, addresses concerns about structural damage, safety risks, and obstruction of critical infrastructure.
• Committees will examine compliance with the Federal Highways Act and planning regulations, requesting documents from federal and state agencies.
• The House seeks to determine the legality of structures and commercial operations, identifying responsible parties for any violations.
• Enforcement measures, including the removal of illegal structures and long-term protection strategies for bridges, are anticipated.

Lawmakers warned that the continued presence of such encroachments could severely compromise the lifespan and structural stability of the bridges, impede routine inspections and necessary repairs, and expose both commuters and adjacent communities to considerable safety hazards.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigation into alleged illegal encroachments and unauthorized commercial activities occurring beneath Eko Bridge and other federal bridges located in Lagos State. This parliamentary action, spurred by a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Lanre Okunlola, who represents the Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, seeks to address significant concerns regarding the integrity of critical infrastructure and the safety of commuters. The House has mandated its Committees on Works and Public Assets to conduct this thorough inquiry.

The core of the investigation will scrutinize the legality of various commercial establishments, including containers, makeshift structures, warehouses, markets, and workshops, which are currently operating within the designated right-of-way of these vital transportation links. A primary concern articulated by the House is that these unauthorized activities, particularly those situated close to the foundations of Eko Bridge, have reportedly caused damage to essential structural components, necessitating emergency engineering interventions. Lawmakers warned that the continued presence of such encroachments could severely compromise the lifespan and structural stability of the bridges, impede routine inspections and necessary repairs, and expose both commuters and adjacent communities to considerable safety hazards.

The parliamentary probe extends to determining whether any public assets have been unlawfully occupied, leased, or otherwise utilized without proper authorization. The House specifically questioned the legitimacy of the commercial operations, noting a lack of clarity regarding whether the occupants had secured valid approvals from the pertinent federal authorities. Consequently, the investigation will meticulously examine any approvals granted to these occupants to ascertain their adherence to the Federal Highways Act, applicable planning regulations, and the established guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Works.

To facilitate this detailed review, the House has directed several key federal and state entities to furnish relevant documentation to the investigating committees. These include the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (where applicable), and Lagos State physical planning authorities. The requested documents encompass approved engineering drawings, survey plans, Right-of-Way maps, occupancy approvals, and any other records pertaining to developments situated beneath and around the affected bridges. The Committee on Works is specifically tasked with determining the legality of the structures and commercial activities, while the Committee on Public Assets will ascertain if any public asset has been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated, or used in contravention of existing laws.

The House of Representatives, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during the motion's adoption, has called for robust enforcement measures to be implemented following the investigation. This includes the potential removal of any structures found to be illegally occupying the federal Right-of-Way. Furthermore, the Committee on Public Assets is expected to identify the specific individuals, agencies, or organizations responsible for any established violations, signaling a move towards accountability.

Beyond immediate enforcement, the legislative body has also proposed the development of long-term strategies aimed at protecting, monitoring, and preserving federal bridges across the nation. The lawmakers suggested that the proliferation of unauthorized developments might partly stem from a perceived lack of effective coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, and the Lagos State Government. The committees are slated to present their findings and recommendations to the House within a six-week timeframe for subsequent legislative action, underscoring the urgency of addressing these critical infrastructure challenges. Eko Bridge, a vital artery connecting Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, remains under the direct supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, highlighting the federal government's responsibility in its upkeep and protection.

Lawyers advising clients with commercial operations or structures near federal bridges in Lagos, particularly Eko Bridge, should immediately review their clients' approvals and compliance with the Federal Highways Act and relevant planning regulations. The ongoing House of Representatives probe signals a heightened risk of enforcement actions, including the removal of non-compliant structures, and potential legal liabilities for unlawful occupation of public assets.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH