The Federal Government has underscored the urgent need to address critical infrastructure challenges, particularly the deteriorating Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
According to Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the bridge is facing severe structural issues, especially with its underwater supports, which make substantial repair work unavoidable. Estimates suggest that rehabilitating the bridge would cost around ₦3.8 trillion, while a complete reconstruction could be slightly less, at ₦3.6 trillion.
Umahi briefed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during a session led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, revealing that these repairs are essential to ensure the safety of daily commuters.
The Third Mainland Bridge, which links Lagos Island to the mainland, is one of the busiest roadways in the country, and its current state poses significant risks if left unattended.
In addition to the Third Mainland Bridge, the council approved ₦493 billion for other major transport projects. Lagos’ Carter Bridge, spanning 11.8 kilometres, has been declared structurally unsound and irreparable, prompting the allocation of ₦359 billion for a full rebuild.
Meanwhile, the Kano–Katsina Road, a key 152-kilometre corridor in northern Nigeria, will receive ₦134 billion for upgrades, with rising costs attributed to inflation and other economic pressures.
Recent government interventions include restrictions on heavy-duty vehicles using the Third Mainland Bridge to minimize stress on its compromised structure. Umahi emphasized that these measures are part of a broader emergency plan for Lagos’ road network.
“We are having in-depth discussions and taking decisive steps to ensure the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges are safe and reliable for commuters,” he noted.
Earlier this year, initial government estimates for bridge rehabilitation were significantly lower — ₦21 billion for the Third Mainland and ₦25 billion for Carter Bridge. The current figures reveal the growing complexity and cost of maintaining vital infrastructure that has experienced years of heavy use.
With these approvals, the Federal Government is signaling its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing infrastructure needs. Experts say that timely intervention on these key bridges will not only safeguard lives but also improve economic efficiency by reducing traffic delays and transportation costs in Lagos and beyond.