Gladness Gideon
The Federal Government has successfully reduced the cost of rehabilitating the Iddo Bridge in Lagos from an initial N27 billion to N17 billion, following negotiations with construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the bridge on Friday. He stated that the reduction was the result of extensive discussions with the company’s new leadership.
“Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabouts, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion,” Umahi told journalists.
The minister praised Julius Berger for its cooperation, describing the company as a “born-again Berger” under its current managing director. He noted that the firm demonstrated understanding and flexibility in line with the Federal Ministry of Works’ emphasis on cost-efficiency and accountability.
Umahi explained that the scope of the project had been expanded from a basic rehabilitation to a comprehensive overhaul due to the level of structural damage sustained over the years. He cited prolonged neglect, human encroachment, and the impact of heavy-duty vehicles as major contributors to the deterioration.
According to the minister, three spans of the bridge were extensively damaged by fire linked to illegal occupants who had built makeshift shelters under the structure.
“They brought in chemicals, built block walls, and set up homes. Then, they set up a fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” he said.
READ ALSO: ₦800bn Budget Inadequate for Nigeria’s Road Repairs — Umahi
He also pointed out that the current headroom of the bridge, approximately 4.5 meters, had been compromised by repeated collisions and unregulated activities beneath the structure. Plans are now underway to increase the clearance to at least 5.6 meters to enhance safety and durability.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure protection, Umahi declared that the era of misuse of national assets was over.
“No one will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works,” he asserted. “The lives of the people are more important.”
He added that the ministry would enforce strict measures to prevent future encroachment and safeguard the structural integrity of the bridge.
The rehabilitation of Iddo Bridge marks a significant step in the federal government’s drive to restore critical infrastructure while ensuring fiscal responsibility and public safety.