The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has demolished over 650 illegal shanties and shops beneath the Idumota Bridge.
The clearance operation, tagged #LetLagosBreathe, was conducted to dislodge traders illegally occupying the base of the bridge, which authorities say posed significant safety and structural risks.
Addressing journalists at the Agency’s Command Headquarters in Bolade-Oshodi on Thursday, the Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), said the exercise was necessary to prevent incidents similar to the Apongbon Bridge fire. 
“The clearance was undertaken to avert hazards and protect the integrity of the bridge, especially given past experiences where illegal electrical installations and cooling systems under bridges led to fires,” Cole stated.
He emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to enforce the state’s environmental laws and maintain public safety. Cole, however warned traders against erecting structures beneath bridges, noting that violators will face legal action.
Beyond the bridge clearance, the Corps Marshal also cautioned street traders against hawking in traffic and selling goods on road setbacks, medians, and pedestrian walkways.
He enjoined transiting Lagosians to always embrace safety by using pedestrian bridges when crossing highways in the State.
