Federal Ministry of Works Denies Social Media Reports of Stolen Manhole Covers on Lagos Eko Bridge

The Federal Ministry of Works denies viral claims that manhole covers on Eko Bridge have been stolen. Controller Olufemi Dare confirms the bridge is safe.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 10:50 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Newsdiaryonline

Dismissal of Viral Safety Concerns

The Federal Ministry of Works has formally addressed and dismissed a viral social media message alleging that iron manhole covers on the Eko Bridge in Lagos had been removed by thieves. The circulating reports claimed that the missing covers had left open hazards, posing an immediate danger to motorists and contributing to several road accidents. However, during a briefing on Thursday, the Ministry clarified that these claims are entirely unfounded and do not reflect the current state of the infrastructure.

Physical Inspection Confirms Structural Integrity

Mr. Olufemi Dare, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a thorough inspection of the bridge was conducted in response to the online outcry. "It is not true. We have checked round," Dare stated, providing a direct rebuttal to the rumors. He categorized the viral messages as misleading and potentially harmful, as they were designed to incite unnecessary panic among the thousands of commuters who rely on the Eko Bridge daily.

Advisory to Motorists and Speed Regulation

While reassuring the public that the bridge is secure, the Controller advised motorists to maintain a high level of caution and strictly adhere to traffic regulations. He specifically emphasized the importance of staying within the approved speed limits, noting that reckless driving—rather than infrastructure failure—remains a primary concern for road safety. By obeying these rules, drivers can ensure a smooth flow of traffic and minimize the risk of genuine accidents on the federal highway.