The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called for immediate closure of the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge due to damage on the Eko Bridge by dredging activities.

Mr Umahi made the call during an inspection tour of some bridges in Lagos State. He urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce the closure to prevent further accidents.

”The dredger that hit the pier cap and the pier tumbled, and they sunk,” the minister said.

He said the driver of the dredger or its owner had been arrested, adding that the federal government would take decisive action because the damage was much.

“I also saw very serious dredging along Third Mainland Bridge, notwithstanding that the Federal Executive Council, about four months ago, banned dredging along a 10km radius from all bridges in Nigeria.

” I am shocked that dredging is still taking place,” Mr Umahi said.

The minister said dredging near bridges undermined their structural integrity.

Mr Umahi also appealed to members of the public to avoid parking and loading on bridges.

He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and the country’s road infrastructure.

(NAN)