The Federal Government has reduced the proposed cost of rehabilitating the Iddo Bridge in Lagos from N27 billion to N17 billion, following detailed negotiations with construction giant, Julius Berger.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the bridge, which has suffered extensive structural damage over the years.
“Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabouts, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion,” Umahi told reporters during the visit.
He praised Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. for its collaborative spirit, attributing the concession to the firm’s new leadership.
Describing the company as a “born-again Berger,” Umahi said the openness of its new managing director was instrumental in achieving the revised figure.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to accountability and efficient use of public funds, stressing that all contractors must adhere to the ministry’s standards.
Umahi explained that the scope of the Iddo Bridge project had expanded from a basic repair of a burnt portion to comprehensive reconstruction, due to the extent of the damage.
He expressed dismay at the bridge’s condition, citing years of abandonment and misuse, including unauthorized settlements and damage from heavy-duty trucks.
According to him, three spans of the bridge were severely affected by a fire caused by illegal dwellers who had erected structures beneath it.
“They brought in chemicals, built block walls, and set up homes. Then, they set up a fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” he stated.
Umahi noted that the current headroom under the bridge was around 4.5 meters, but the goal was to increase it to at least 5.6 meters to prevent future damage from high vehicles.
He assured the public of the ministry’s dedication to ensuring the bridge is fully restored and safeguarded against similar incidents in the future.
On the issue of displaced individuals who had previously occupied spaces beneath the bridge, the minister issued a firm warning.
“Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works.
“The lives of the people are more important,” he said.
Umahi also made it clear that the Federal Government would no longer condone the misuse or abuse of critical national infrastructure.