The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Apapa Bridge and adjoining port access roads, calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to avert a possible disaster that could cripple port operations and hurt the national economy.
The state said continued neglect of the critical infrastructure, which serves as the main evacuation route for cargo, petroleum tankers and commuters linked to the Lagos Port Complex, poses serious safety risks and threatens smooth economic activities within the port corridor.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation and Logistics, Mr Adekoya Hassan, described Apapa as a strategic economic hub whose access roads could no longer withstand the pressure of heavy-duty truck traffic.
Hassan warned that repeated repairs without a lasting solution had worsened the situation, stressing that only urgent and comprehensive intervention by the Federal Ministry of Works could prevent a structural failure of the bridge.
“We are concerned about the outbound heavy-duty truck traffic from this terminal. If this road is fixed 10 times, we will still have the same result, which is collapse. This is the only exit road from Apapa, Lagos Port, and it has been under construction for a while,” he said.
He cautioned that the collapse of the bridge would have far-reaching implications for port operations and the wider economy.
“If the Minister does not pay attention to this road and it collapses any moment from now, it will have a great effect on the nation’s ports. We are calling on the Minister to put the road in order,” Hassan added.
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructure upgrades across the country, the governor’s aide urged the Federal Government to prioritise the Apapa ports, describing them as a crucial gateway to Nigeria’s economy.
“The roads are in dire need of proper repairs and maintenance to ensure efficient operations. We expect to see urgent improvements in this critical area,” he said.
Truck operators and business owners operating within the corridor also decried the worsening condition of the road, describing it as a major hazard.
The Chairman of the Apapa Truck Cargoes, Mr Saheed Mahmoud, said the poor state of the road had led to frequent accidents and damage to trucks.
“This road is damaging our trucks. Once you get here from Apapa, accidents happen. Some trucks even fall with their cargo. We are pleading with the Federal Government to help us with repairs,” Mahmoud said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Klassique Tenor Limited, Mr Ayo Vaughan, faulted what he described as “fire-brigade” repair works previously carried out on the road, insisting on a permanent solution.
“About three months ago, the Federal Government did a temporary repair here, but it has collapsed again. Something concrete that will stand the test of time must be done. They also need to fix the Apapa–Costain Road,” Vaughan said.
Stakeholders warned that without swift federal intervention, the failing infrastructure could trigger accidents, disrupt cargo movement and further strain Nigeria’s already challenged port logistics system.
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