The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced plans to spend ₦3.8 trillion on repairing the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, following the discovery of significant structural faults in its underwater components.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Umahi, a detailed engineering assessment revealed extensive damage beneath the bridge that requires urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration. He explained that while the cost of a complete rehabilitation is estimated at ₦3.8 trillion, constructing an entirely new bridge would cost about ₦3.6 trillion.
The Works Minister assured that the government was working on strategies to execute the repairs with minimal disruption to the millions of motorists who depend on the 11.8-kilometre bridge daily. Built in phases between 1976 and 1990, the Third Mainland Bridge is the longest in Lagos and serves as a critical link between Lagos Island and the mainland. While it has undergone several maintenance works over the decades, this is the first time authorities have publicly confirmed extensive underwater damage.
Other Major Approvals
Umahi also announced FEC’s approval of ₦493 billion for two major infrastructure projects: the rehabilitation of the Kano–Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos State.
The 152-kilometer Kano–Katsina Road had previously been split into two sections under the previous administration. Due to inflation and other economic pressures, the costs have been significantly revised:
- Section One (74.1 km)—Initially awarded in 2013 at ₦14 billion, later revised to ₦24 billion, and now updated to ₦68 billion.
- Section Two (79.5 km)—Awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion, later increased to ₦46 billion, and now revised to ₦66.115 billion.
The combined cost for both sections now stands at around ₦134 billion. Budgetary allocations include ₦6 billion in 2024 and ₦34 billion in 2025 for section one, while section two will receive ₦80 billion over the same two years.
Carter Bridge Replacement
On the Carter Bridge, Umahi explained that underwater assessments carried out in 2013 and 2019 revealed severe substructure damage caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion of piles and piers. Julius Berger, the contractor engaged for underwater and structural works, has advised that the bridge is beyond repair and should be completely replaced.
The estimated cost for a new Carter Bridge stands at ₦359 billion, and the government has initiated funding discussions with Deutsche Bank.
FEC approved the engagement of at least seven specialist contractors under an EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing) arrangement to carry out detailed investigations, designs, and bidding for either rehabilitation or replacement of the Carter and Third Mainland Bridges. The Council also sanctioned the advertisement of public-private partnership (PPP) bids for the projects.
Other Bridge Interventions
Umahi listed several other bridges slated for urgent intervention, including:
- Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State
- Ido Bridge (burned, requiring removal of three spans)
- Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State
- Mokwa Bridge in Niger State
- A damaged bridge along the Abuja–Kogi route
- Multiple bridges between Lagos and Ibadan are impacted by vehicular collisions
- Jebba Bridge in Kwara State
- Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos
“These emergency works will be articulated and forwarded to Mr. President for approval through the Minister of Finance,” Umahi concluded.
