The Federal Government has announced the full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos, effective from April 27, to carry out critical repair works aimed at ensuring the safety of commuters and preserving the structure.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, announced during an inspection visit to the bridge on Monday. She explained that the bridge, which links Ijora Causeway to Apapa, requires comprehensive rehabilitation, particularly the replacement of worn-out bearings beneath the bridge deck.
“This bridge has undergone repairs in phases over time,” Kesha said. “We are now in the final phase, which involves lifting the entire deck to replace approximately 50 defective bearings spread across three sections of the bridge.”
She highlighted the strategic importance of the Ijora Bridge, which serves as a major gateway to Apapa — home to two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports, Tincan and Apapa ports.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the closure may cause, Kesha stressed that the repair is essential for public safety and to prevent structural failure.
To mitigate the expected traffic gridlock, she outlined diversion plans:
- Motorists from Ijora will be rerouted through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa.
- Heavy-duty vehicles will be diverted through Costain and Iganmu to access the port area.
Kesha assured the public that the Ministry of Works has carefully planned these alternative routes and does not expect significant disruption, provided there is public cooperation.
She also addressed concerns raised by citizens about unusual vibrations on the bridge. “The bridge is not at risk of collapse, but the bearings — which function like spring supports — have weakened significantly,” she said.
This will be the first major rehabilitation of the Ijora Bridge since it was built decades ago. The initial repair phase, involving deck lifting and bearing replacement, will require complete closure, while subsequent activities such as asphalt removal and resurfacing may be scheduled in stages, potentially on Sundays, to minimize traffic impact.
Kesha emphasized the importance of public awareness and noted that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has directed that all bridge closures must be well-publicized to ensure transparency and preparedness.
“We ask for the public’s patience and understanding. These repairs are necessary for everyone’s safety. With public cooperation, we aim to complete the work efficiently and restore the bridge to a much safer condition,” she added.
