By John Umeh
In a swift response to the devastating fire that severely damaged a vital section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway bridge at Ijora, the Federal Government has announced the allocation of ₦17 billion for comprehensive repairs and reconstruction. The move underscores the government’s commitment to restoring critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s most commercially significant transport route.
The inferno, which occurred following a fuel tanker explosion in mid-June, inflicted severe structural damage on a portion of the bridge, prompting urgent safety evaluations and temporary closures. The resulting traffic disruption affected thousands of commuters and logistics operators daily, highlighting the economic and social urgency of the repair project.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, who visited the site shortly after the incident, confirmed the funding and emphasized that the bridge repairs would be handled as an emergency priority project. He stated that the government had already mobilized top contractors and engineers to begin reconstruction work as soon as possible. According to him, the bridge’s compromised integrity poses serious safety risks if left unattended.
“We cannot afford delays,” Umahi said. “The bridge connects key economic corridors and any prolonged obstruction would impact both local livelihoods and national commerce. President Bola Tinubu has given a clear directive to ensure the bridge is not only restored quickly but reinforced to prevent future recurrence.”
The ₦17 billion fund will cover complete structural assessment, demolition of damaged sections, reconstruction using reinforced materials, and installation of modern fire prevention technologies. It also includes the deployment of traffic control systems to manage congestion during the repair period.
Experts have applauded the government’s quick intervention, noting that Nigeria’s aging infrastructure is in urgent need of consistent maintenance and emergency preparedness. Civil engineer and transport analyst, Engr. Tunde Ajayi, praised the decision, but warned that “sustainability measures must accompany the repair work — including regular inspections and fuel transport regulations — to prevent similar disasters.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have intensified traffic diversion strategies to ease the burden on motorists, especially during rush hours. Alternative routes have been mapped out and clearly signposted, although residents still face extended travel times.
The Lagos bridge incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Nigeria’s public infrastructure to accidents and negligence, particularly involving fuel tankers and poor road safety enforcement. As reconstruction begins, citizens and transport unions have called for stricter controls and reforms around the transportation of hazardous materials across major urban roads.
With the ₦17 billion repair plan now in motion, authorities are expected to release a detailed timeline for the project. The Ministry of Works has assured that rehabilitation would be completed within four to six months, provided there are no unforeseen delays due to weather or procurement.
As Lagosians endure the short-term inconveniences, there is cautious optimism that the restored bridge will emerge stronger and safer — a critical lifeline in Nigeria’s busiest commercial hub.
