Iddo Bridge Reconstruction Must Set The Standard For Total Accessibility, Says CITAB 

The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) today responded to the Federal Government’s announcement about the demolition and reconstruction of three major spans of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos.

The organisation urges the Federal Ministry of Works to guarantee complete and uncompromising inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the new design. 

Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, recently announced that repair work prompted by fire and truck collisions will commence later this month and is expected to last approximately three months.

 Mr. Jolomi George Fenemigho, Executive Chairman of CITAB, commended the Federal Government for acting swiftly to restore the structural integrity of this vital infrastructure but emphasized that safety must go beyond structural soundness to encompass human dignity and universal access. 

“We applaud the decisive move to repair the Iddo Bridge and enhance public safety,” said Mr. Fenemigho.

“However, genuine safety and the long-term resilience of a modern bridge must include every Nigerian. For too long, our infrastructure, including bridges, walkways, and roads, has created barriers instead of pathways for the visually impaired and other PWDs.” 

CITAB urges the Federal Ministry of Works and its contractors to seize this unique opportunity to make the new Iddo Bridge a benchmark for inclusive design nationwide.

The project must comply with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which states: 

Right of Access to the Physical Environment:

“A person with disability has the right to access the physical environment and buildings on an equal basis with others.” (Part II, Section 3) 

Mandatory Accessibility for Roads and Walkways:

The law requires that the design incorporates features such as:

“Road side-walks, pedestrian crossings and all other special facilities as set out in the First Schedule made for public use shall be made accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities including those on wheelchairs and the visually impaired.” (Part II, Section 5) 

This means the integration of:

·          Tactile paving to provide continuous ground surface indicators for all pedestrian pathways linked to the bridge

·          Accessible curb ramps for smooth transitions between sidewalks and roadways at all junctions and crossings

·          Accessible public transport integration, ensuring safe and clear routes to and from transit points using the bridge, free of obstacles or abrupt changes in height 

CITAB insists that the Federal Ministry of Works, as the approving authority, holds a legal responsibility to reject any design that is not fully accessible.

 Prohibition on Approving Non-Compliant Plans:

·          “A government or government agency, body or individual responsible for the approval of building plans shall not approve the plan of a public building if the plan does not make provision for accessibility facilities in line with the building code.” (Part II, Section 7(2)) 

Penalty for Violating the Law:

·          “An officer who approves or directs the approval of a building plan that contravenes the building code, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of at least N1,000,000.00 or a term of imprisonment of two years or both.” (Part II, Section 7(3)) 

CITAB calls for a clear commitment that the renovated under-bridge spaces and pedestrian routes will remain secure and maintained to prevent the return of illegal occupancy and obstructions that endanger the safety and mobility of all pedestrians, especially PWDs. 

“The announcement mentioned meetings with LASTMA and FRSC to ensure smooth movement. We ask, where is the representation for the more than 25 million Nigerians living with disabilities?” Mr. Fenemigho asked.

“The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 is explicit. Infrastructure projects must follow building codes, guaranteeing accessibility. The Iddo Bridge reconstruction is a test of the government’s promise to leave no one behind.”

 CITAB urges the Federal Controller of Works to immediately consult with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to review the proposed design and integrate accessibility features from the start, rather than relying on expensive adjustments afterward.