By: Mustapha Lawal
Claim:
Social media posts, particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook, claim that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is shaking and that a section of it has opened up, posing a safety risk to commuters.
Verdict:
False. The Federal Government, through the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, has debunked the claim, confirming that the bridge is safe for public use. A physical inspection of the bridge showed no signs of structural issues, and this claim appears to be a recurring misinformation.
Full Text
Recently, a flurry of social media posts began circulating, claiming that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos was shaking, with some alleging that a part of the bridge had opened up.
The posts sparked concern among Lagos residents, who rely heavily on the bridge for daily commuting. It has even gone to spread by words of mouth as passengers in public transport were heard discussing this.
The Third Mainland Bridge, which spans about 11km, is a vital connection for millions of commuters in Lagos. Given its importance, any claim of structural instability quickly garners public attention.
Verification
FactCheckAfrica found that the claim has been debunked by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, during a tour of the bridge with journalists. Kesha emphasized that there was no truth to the claims, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
“The honourable minister has directed that I come out and tell Lagosians and Nigerians that there is nothing wrong with the bridge,” she stated. “We drove around the entire length of the 11km bridge and found no signs of instability or damage.”
She further added, “We are using this opportunity to tell the motoring public, Lagosians, and all Nigerians that the bridge is safe, and its integrity is not in doubt.”
Additionally, a search of past records revealed that similar rumours about the bridge’s safety had been debunked on multiple occasions.
Historical claims of the Third Mainland Bridge “shaking” have frequently resurfaced, often found to be baseless and driven by mischief or political agendas. These patterns suggest that this misinformation recurs during sensitive periods or when public trust is vulnerable.
Conclusion
The claim that the Third Mainland Bridge is shaking or that a section has opened up is false. Both physical inspections and official statements confirm that the bridge is safe for use. The public is advised to rely on verified information and official channels when concerns arise about public infrastructure.
