The Federal Government has reduced the cost of repairing the fire-damaged Iddo Bridge in Lagos from an initial N27 billion to N17 billion, following negotiations with construction firm Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, revealed this on Friday during an inspection of the bridge, which suffered significant damage from a fire incident linked to illegal settlements beneath it. “Julius Berger initially quoted around N27 billion, but after extensive negotiations, we settled at N17 billion,” Umahi stated. He praised the company’s new leadership for showing cooperation and described the contractor as a “born-again Berger.” The minister noted that the scope of work had expanded beyond basic repairs to a comprehensive reconstruction effort, citing long-term neglect and abuse as contributing factors to the bridge’s deterioration. According to Umahi, three spans of the bridge were severely compromised after illegal occupants set up homes under the structure and reportedly handled hazardous chemicals, which led to the fire outbreak. “They constructed block walls, brought in chemicals, and started fires that ultimately burned the bridge. We are now committed to full restoration,” he said. He also blamed repeated collisions by heavy-duty trucks and substandard clearance under the bridge—currently at 4.5 meters—for compounding the damage. The ministry now plans to raise the headroom to at least 5.6 meters. Umahi emphasized that no individuals will be allowed to resettle beneath the bridge. “As long as I remain Minister of Works, no one will live under the Iddo Bridge again. Public safety comes first,” he declared. He warned that the government would no longer tolerate the misuse or vandalization of critical national infrastructure.