The Federal Government currently owes the Lagos State government about N51 billion, a commissioner in the state said on Monday.

The state’s commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who stated this while inspecting ongoing repair works on the Eko Bridge, said the state government would continue working for people of the state despite the huge amount owe it by the federal government.

He, however, refused to give details of federal government’s indebtness to the state.

The commissioner reassured the people of the state of government’s commitment to maintenance of facilities within the metropolis, saying it has taken up the rehabilitation works on the Eko Bridge at Alaka and National Theatre sections.

 Hamzat said the state government carried out assessment of all the bridges in the state to ascertain their safety level and earmarked for rehabilitation, those needing attention.

“Out of the 33 expansion joints needing repairs, eight had been completed, while work is ongoing on Eko Bridge which is the ninth and tenth, “he told journalists.

He said the maintenance works are carried out in the night and weekends to reduce traffic grid lock and other inconveniences that come with the exercise.

He added: “The repair works on the bridge is the initiative of the state government and the project is solely funded by it and not in partnership with the Federal government as being insinuated.  The bridge cannot be left to collapse although it is owned by the federal government.