Lagos Orders Eviction Of Squatters Living Under New Bridge

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate eviction of squatters and illegal traders who have converted spaces beneath the newly built Opebi–Mende Bridge into makeshift homes and shops.

The directive was issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an unscheduled inspection of the bridge.

He was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Olatokunbo Oyenuga.

Wahab expressed displeasure at the sight of the illegal occupants and described the development as “disheartening,” especially as the bridge is almost ready for commissioning.

“It is disheartening to see such a landmark project, almost ready for commissioning, taken over by miscreants and illegal traders, even some from the Cane Village creating illegal settlements,” the commissioner wrote in a post on X.

He warned that the state government would not condone any form of lawlessness, adding that security agencies had been directed to move in immediately to dislodge the occupants.

“Let me be clear: this administration will not tolerate lawlessness. Security agencies will move in immediately, and we will sustain monitoring to ensure squatters do not return,” Wahab stated.

The commissioner also ordered mechanics operating around the bridge to vacate the area without delay or risk having their vehicles impounded.

Wahab emphasised that the Opebi–Mende Bridge represents a major investment by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu–led administration and that the government is determined to protect the infrastructure for the benefit of law-abiding residents.

“Mechanics who have turned the adjoining open space into workshops must also vacate at once, or risk having their vehicles impounded.

“The Opebi–Mende Bridge is a huge investment by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration, and we will protect it for the benefit of law-abiding citizens,” he added.