The Federal Government has announced the complete closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos starting Saturday, April 27, to commence critical repair works aimed at ensuring the safety and durability of the vital infrastructure.
During a Monday inspection of the site, the Federal Controller of Works, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, confirmed that the closure is necessary to address structural issues affecting the bridge’s integrity—particularly the replacement of defective bearings beneath the bridge deck.
“This bridge has been awarded in different phases for some time now,” Kesha stated. “We’re now at the final stage, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to replace about 50 faulty bearings across three major sections.”
The Ijora Bridge, a crucial link between the Ijora Causeway and the Apapa port area, serves as a major access point to Tincan and Apapa Ports—two of Nigeria’s busiest and most economically significant maritime gateways.
Safety Comes First, Says FG
While acknowledging the inevitable traffic disruptions the closure may cause, Kesha emphasized that the repairs are essential for public safety and to prevent further structural deterioration of the bridge.
“We understand that this will inconvenience road users, especially businesses in and around Apapa, but this intervention is long overdue and necessary to avoid greater risks,” she added.
Motorists and commuters are advised to plan alternative routes and follow traffic management updates during the repair period, which is expected to be handled in phases to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
