FG orders closure of waterway between Eko and Carter Bridges over dredging damage 

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known during an inspection of key bridges in Lagos State on Saturday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He revealed that a dredger had collided with a pier cap on the Eko Bridge, resulting in the tumbling and sinking of the pier.

“The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has called for immediate closure of the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge due to damage on Eko Bridge by dredging activities,” the NAN report read in part.

Umahi noted that a recent incident involving a dredger led to serious damage after it struck a pier cap, causing the entire pier to collapse and sink. He expressed concern about the dangers posed by such reckless operations and disclosed that the dredger’s operator or owner had already been apprehended. He assured that the Federal Government would take firm action in response to the incident.

Umahi also called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce the closure of the affected waterway to prevent further accidents.

Furthermore, the Minister of Works condemned ongoing dredging activities near key bridges in Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge.

He noted that the Federal Executive Council had already banned dredging within a 10-kilometre radius of all bridges across the country.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safety and warned that violators would face consequences.

The FEC’s approval of a ban on dredging within a 10-kilometre radius of all bridges, made months ago, was intended to prevent incidents like the recent damage to the Eko Bridge.

The directive aims to protect the stability of bridges, but its success depends on strict enforcement to ensure compliance and prevent similar accidents in the future.