FG Okays Partial Pull-Down of Lagos Iddo Bridge, Reconstruction to Begin
Story: written by Daniel January 12,2026
The Federal Government has given approval for the partial demolition of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, with reconstruction work scheduled to start next week as part of a major upgrade of the ageing structure.
The Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria, Thomas Christl, revealed this during an inspection tour of the bridge on Sunday alongside the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
Christl said engineering assessments showed extensive structural damage on critical sections of the bridge, making it necessary to replace three spans to guarantee long-term safety.
According to him, the project will be carried out in stages to minimise traffic disruption. The two carriageways will be separated, allowing construction on one side while vehicles are redirected to the other.
He explained that traffic would be diverted to one section of the bridge next week, after which demolition and reconstruction would begin on the affected half. Once completed, vehicles would move onto the newly rebuilt section, paving the way for work on the remaining side.
Christl added that supporting works are already underway beneath the bridge, including improvements to the drainage system and underpass. He noted that drainage outfalls into the lagoon have been completed, while excavation will follow to lower the road level and increase clearance. This, he said, would help prevent trucks from hitting the bridge, a major cause of past damage.
Speaking on the condition of the bridge, Senator Umahi said part of the deterioration resulted from a fire incident linked to illegal activities beneath the structure, which damaged several spans.
He explained that one carriageway has been resurfaced to allow full traffic diversion, enabling the removal and rebuilding of three spans on the opposite side. Afterward, traffic will be switched back to allow reconstruction of the second carriageway.
The minister disclosed that the project, estimated to cost about ₦15 billion, is expected to be completed by June. He said a key design upgrade involves increasing the bridge’s headroom from about 4.5 metres to the required minimum of 5.6 metres to improve safety.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace of work so far, noting that a bypass has been provided to ease traffic flow. He also assured that CCTV cameras would be installed above and below the bridge after completion to boost security, similar to measures on the Third Mainland Bridge.
