The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Works and Public Assets to investigate alleged illegal encroachment and unauthorised commercial operations beneath Eko Bridge and other Federal bridges in Lagos State, citing concerns that the activities could compromise vital infrastructure and put commuters at risk.
The probe will assess the legality of containers, makeshift buildings, warehouses, markets, workshops and other business premises operating within the bridges’ right-of-way. It will also establish whether any public assets have been illegally occupied, leased out or put to unauthorised use.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion on a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Lanre Okunlola, the lawmaker representing Surulere II Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
The House raised concerns that unauthorised activities around Eko Bridge, especially near its foundations, had reportedly caused damage to key structural components, making emergency engineering interventions necessary.
It warned that “continued encroachment may undermine the lifespan and structural stability of the bridges, obstruct routine inspections and repairs, and expose commuters and adjoining communities to safety risks.”
The motion stated that “the continued occupation of areas beneath and adjacent to Federal bridges may impede routine engineering inspections, emergency repairs and future expansion works while posing significant risks to commuters and adjoining communities.”
Eko Bridge is a major transport link between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island and falls under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.
The House also raised questions about the legality of the commercial activities, noting that it was uncertain whether the occupants had obtained valid approvals from the appropriate Federal authorities.
It called for an examination of any approvals granted to occupants to establish whether they complied with the Federal Highways Act, applicable planning regulations and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Works.
To establish the facts, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, where applicable, and Lagos State physical planning authorities to submit relevant documents to the committees.
The documents are expected to 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 the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, the House directed its Committee on Works to determine “the legality of the structures and commercial activities,” while the Committee on Public Assets will ascertain “whether any public asset has been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated or used contrary to existing laws.”
The latter committee is also expected to identify the 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 the Federal Right-of-Way.
It also proposed long-term measures to protect, monitor and preserve Federal bridges nationwide.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.
The lawmakers attributed the proliferation of unauthorised developments partly to a possible lack of effective coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies.
The proposed investigation comes against the backdrop of previous structural concerns involving Eko Bridge.
In May 2026, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced emergency intervention following damage reportedly caused by illegal sand-mining activities around the bridge.
He 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 also undergone rehabilitation at different times, underscoring the importance of protecting its structural components from activities that could worsen existing defects or complicate maintenance.
The outcome of the House investigation is expected to clarify the status of commercial establishments operating within the affected corridors, establish whether the necessary approvals exist and identify measures required to prevent further encroachment.
Beyond Eko Bridge, the proposed inquiry could provide a basis for stronger oversight of activities beneath other Federal bridges in Lagos State, particularly where unauthorised occupation may obstruct access for engineers, emergency repairs and routine maintenance.