Reps Probe Eko Bridge Encroachment: House Investigates Illegal Structures

• The Nigerian House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into illegal encroachments and commercial activities beneath Eko Bridge and other federal bridges in Lagos State.
• The probe, initiated on October 29, 2026, aims to assess the legality of structures and their impact on critical infrastructure and public safety.
• Committees on Works and Public Assets will examine compliance with the Federal Highways Act and identify responsible parties for any violations.
• Key federal and Lagos State authorities are mandated to provide documents like engineering drawings and occupancy approvals.
• The House has called for enforcement, including the removal of illegal structures, and long-term protection measures for federal bridges nationwide.

Lawmakers expressed alarm over reports indicating that unapproved activities, particularly in proximity to the foundations of the Eko Bridge, have already caused damage to essential structural components, necessitating emergency engineering interventions.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal encroachment and unauthorized commercial operations occurring beneath the Eko Bridge and other federal bridges across Lagos State. This directive, issued on October 29, 2026, stems from significant concerns that such activities pose a direct threat to critical national infrastructure and endanger the safety of commuters. The probe was initiated following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Mr. Lanre Okunlola, who represents the Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

Lawmakers expressed alarm over reports indicating that unapproved activities, particularly in proximity to the foundations of the Eko Bridge, have already caused damage to essential structural components, necessitating emergency engineering interventions. The House warned that the continued presence of these encroachments could severely diminish the lifespan and structural integrity of these vital transportation links. Furthermore, such unauthorized occupation could impede routine inspections and necessary repair work, thereby exposing both commuters and nearby communities to considerable safety hazards.

The investigation will be jointly conducted by the House Committees on Works and Public Assets. Their mandate includes a thorough examination of the legality surrounding various commercial establishments, such as containers, makeshift structures, warehouses, markets, and workshops, which are currently operating within the designated right-of-way of these bridges. A key objective is to ascertain whether any public assets have been unlawfully occupied, leased, or utilized in contravention of existing laws.

Specifically, the Committee on Works is tasked with determining the legal standing of the structures and commercial activities themselves. Concurrently, the Committee on Public Assets will investigate whether any public assets have been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated, or otherwise used in a manner inconsistent with legal provisions. This committee is also responsible for identifying any individuals, agencies, or organizations found to be responsible for established violations.

A central aspect of the House's inquiry involves scrutinizing any approvals granted to occupants to ensure their compliance with the Federal Highways Act, relevant planning regulations, and the specific guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Works. To facilitate this, the House has directed several key federal and state entities to submit pertinent documentation to the investigating committees.

These entities include the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) 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. This comprehensive data collection aims to establish a clear factual basis for the legislative action.

The legislative body has called for the implementation of appropriate enforcement measures, which notably include the removal of any structures found to be illegally occupying the Federal Right-of-Way. Beyond immediate enforcement, the House also proposed the development of long-term strategies aimed at protecting, monitoring, and preserving federal bridges across the entire nation. The committees are expected to present their findings and recommendations to the House within a six-week timeframe for subsequent legislative deliberation.

Lawmakers have suggested that the widespread proliferation of these unauthorized developments might partly stem from a potential lack of effective coordination among various federal ministries. This probe into the Nigerian House of Representatives Eko Bridge encroachment underscores a heightened focus on maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety, signaling potential significant changes for illegal structures federal bridges Lagos.

Lawyers advising clients with commercial operations or structures located beneath or adjacent to federal bridges in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, should proactively review their clients' permits and compliance with the Federal Highways Act and relevant planning regulations. This House of Representatives probe signals increased scrutiny and potential enforcement actions, including the removal of non-compliant structures, necessitating immediate due diligence to mitigate legal and operational risks.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH