Lagos firm cautions Ikeja bridge toilet project risks collapse

A Lagos-based firm, Vastcoin, has raised concerns over the construction of a public toilet beneath the Ikeja bridge, warning that the project could compromise the structure’s integrity and potentially lead to collapse.

In a petition to state authorities, the company urged an immediate halt to the project, citing risks associated with constant water discharge and construction activity near critical support columns.

The toilet facility is being built between Nos. 1 and 2 Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja, directly beside key load-bearing columns that support the bridge.

Vastcoin said the proximity of the construction to these columns violates basic engineering safety standards, noting that continuous water flow could weaken the foundation over time and cause structural cracks.

“A public toilet facility is being erected directly beside the primary load-bearing columns supporting the bridge,” the company said, warning that such activity near the supports poses serious safety concerns.

The firm also pointed to the presence of an active railway line near the site, arguing that vibrations from passing trains already exert stress on the bridge structure.

According to the company, combining these vibrations with poor drainage, possible soil erosion and ongoing construction increases the risk of structural failure.

“This is how preventable disasters happen,” the company said.

Vastcoin said it had written to multiple state agencies in April, including the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, questioning whether the project received proper approvals.

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment confirmed that it had visited the site and ordered a suspension of the construction two weeks ago.

However, findings showed that work was still ongoing at the location as of Monday.

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Officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development did not respond to enquiries on whether the project had been approved or if an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted before construction began.

A civil engineer, Obinna Okoli, said projects located near or beneath bridges must undergo thorough environmental and structural assessments to determine potential risks.

He added that failure to carry out such evaluations could expose critical infrastructure to long-term damage.