The Nigerian government has dismissed claims that the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge is "shaking", saying the bridge is intact and safe for commuters.
An alarming message shared on Facebook in Nigeria claims that the Third Mainland Bridge in the country's economic capital, Lagos, is shaking. The message also claims that parts of the bridge have opened, making it unsafe for commuters.
The 11.8-kilometre bridge is the longest of the three that connect the mainland to Lagos and its islands. It has the highest average daily traffic in the city, with an estimated 133,000 users per day.
The message reads: "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!* *We have just been informed that part of the 3rd mainland bridge has opened up and the bridge is shaking,* *People are advised to avoid the bridge and use an alternative routes available to avoid major disaster ,pls send this to as many people as possible- God bless you as you do so."
The same claim appeared on Facebook here and here. (Note: See other instances of the claim at the end of this report.)
But should Lagosians "avoid the bridge and take alternative routes to prevent a major disaster", as one of the posts suggested? We checked.
'Bridge safe and intact'
The bridge was closed for renovation in January 2024. It reopened in April and has been used by Lagos commuters ever since.
According to local media, Boade Akinola and Olukayode Popoola had driven on the bridge and found no signs of "shaking", contrary to the claims circulating on social media.
Akinola is the spokesperson for the ministry of works and housing, while Popoola is the federal controller of works in Lagos.
"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," Akinola was quoted as saying.
The claim that the Third Mainland Bridge is "shaking" first circulated in 2021. It was false then, and is still false in 2025.
The false claim also appeared here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.