The Federal Government has announced the full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos beginning April 27 to carry out urgent repair works aimed at restoring structural integrity.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, made this known during an inspection of the bridge on Monday. She revealed that the ongoing rehabilitation had reached its final and most critical phase, which involves lifting the bridge deck to replace approximately 50 worn-out bearings beneath the structure.
“This bridge has gone through different phases of repair. We are now at the stage where we must lift the deck to change the damaged bearings underneath,” Kesha explained.
The Ijora Bridge serves as a key route linking Ijora Causeway to Apapa, home to the Tincan and Apapa ports—two of Nigeria’s busiest maritime hubs. Kesha acknowledged that the closure would cause disruptions but stressed that safety must take priority.
Motorists coming from Ijora will be rerouted through the Seven Up Roundabout to reach Apapa, while trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles will be diverted through Costain via Iganmu. The Ministry of Works, she noted, has carefully mapped out these diversions to manage traffic flow effectively.
“We understand that this will inconvenience many road users, but the alternative is risking a bigger danger. The bridge is not in imminent danger of collapse, but the signs are clear—vibrations, weakened bearings—so this work cannot be delayed,” Kesha said.
She added that the ministry has received complaints from commuters about noticeable vibrations while driving on the bridge. “These vibrations stem from the weakened spring-like supports beneath the deck, and this is our chance to address the issue comprehensively.”
This will be the first major repair on the Ijora Bridge since its construction several decades ago. The initial stage of the project will require a complete closure, while later stages like asphalt replacement may be scheduled on Sundays to ease traffic pressure.
Kesha also emphasized that public sensitization is key. According to her, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has mandated that any major road or bridge closure must be communicated well ahead of time to the public.
She appealed for patience and cooperation from motorists, assuring that the repairs would be conducted within a carefully planned timeline to minimize prolonged inconvenience.
“With the support of road users, we can carry out this work safely and restore the bridge to a condition that benefits everyone,” she said.
