In a move aimed at safeguarding public infrastructure and commuters, the Federal Government has announced the full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos beginning Saturday, April 27, 2025. The decision comes as part of a critical repair project intended to address structural weaknesses threatening the longevity of the bridge.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, made the announcement during an on-site inspection of the bridge on Monday. She disclosed that the Ijora Bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Ijora Causeway and Apapa, is in urgent need of rehabilitation—specifically the replacement of over 50 defective bearings that support the bridge deck.
“This bridge has been awarded for repairs in phases, and we are now at the final phase,” Kesha stated. “This stage involves lifting the entire bridge deck to replace the weakened bearings beneath it. If you drive on the bridge now, you will feel the vibrations—clear evidence that these components have deteriorated significantly.”
According to her, this will be the first major overhaul of the Ijora Bridge since its construction several decades ago. The scope of work involves not only lifting and stabilizing the bridge structure but also resurfacing the deck. Kesha noted that while the initial stage requires complete closure, subsequent works like asphalt removal and resurfacing may be executed in phases to minimize traffic impact.
The Ijora Bridge is a critical artery connecting commuters and cargo to the Apapa and Tincan ports—two of the busiest maritime hubs in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Works is aware of the potential disruption and has mapped out alternative routes to ease the expected traffic burden.
Motorists approaching from Ijora will be redirected through the Seven Up Roundabout, while heavy-duty vehicles will be diverted via Costain through Iganmu to access Apapa. “We have carefully planned these diversions, and we are not expecting major traffic chaos,” Kesha reassured.
She also acknowledged that the ministry had received numerous complaints from citizens about noticeable vibrations on the bridge in recent months. Although she affirmed that the bridge is not at risk of immediate collapse, she stressed that the structural issues require swift and decisive intervention.
“We want the public to know that this closure is a safety measure. The bridge is not collapsing, but the warning signs are there, and ignoring them could lead to disaster,” she said. “With public cooperation, we can complete the work on time and restore the bridge to a much safer condition.”
The Federal Ministry of Works, under the directive of Minister Dave Umahi, has emphasized the need for public awareness ahead of any major road or bridge closure. The ministry is also urging Lagos residents, especially regular users of the Ijora Bridge, to plan their movements accordingly and remain patient during the repair period.
This development follows similar infrastructure upgrades in Lagos, as the government intensifies efforts to improve road safety, facilitate commerce, and boost port accessibility in the nation’s commercial capital.