Federal Government to Shut Down Ijora Bridge in Lagos for Urgent Repairs Starting April 27

Lagos, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced the full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos beginning April 27, to carry out critical repair works aimed at restoring the structural integrity of the bridge.

The announcement was made by Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, during an inspection visit to the bridge on Monday. She disclosed that the bridge, which connects Ijora Causeway to Apapa, is in urgent need of repairs, particularly the replacement of over 50 defective bearings beneath its deck.

“This project is entering its final phase, which involves lifting sections of the bridge to replace worn-out bearings that are essential for the bridge’s stability,” Kesha said.

The Ijora Bridge serves as a vital link to Apapa, home to Nigeria’s busiest ports—Tincan and Apapa Ports. Kesha acknowledged the inconvenience the closure might cause, especially for port-bound commuters, but emphasized that the repairs are necessary to ensure public safety.

Traffic Diversion Plans

To manage traffic during the closure:

• Motorists from Ijora will be rerouted through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa.
• Heavy-duty vehicles will be diverted via Costain through Iganmu.

Kesha assured the public that alternative routes have been carefully planned and major disruptions are not expected. She also urged the public to cooperate and exercise patience during the repair period.

“The bridge will not collapse, but it does need urgent attention. If you drive over it now, the vibrations are obvious—the bearings have weakened significantly,” she explained.

First Major Repair in Decades

This marks the first major maintenance on the Ijora Bridge since its construction decades ago. While the initial stage requires a full closure to lift and support the bridge deck, later phases—such as resurfacing—may be done in segments, potentially on Sundays to reduce traffic impact.

The controller added that the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has mandated extensive public awareness efforts ahead of any bridge closure to ensure transparency and cooperation.

“We want the public to know this closure is strictly for their safety. With everyone’s support, we aim to complete the repairs quickly and restore the bridge to a safer condition,” Kesha concluded.