The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that the structural rehabilitation of Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge is projected to exceed ₦3 trillion. Following an underwater and structural evaluation, the assessment revealed significant damage to the bridge’s foundation due to illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion.
Umahi disclosed this after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, stating that while rehabilitation would cost ₦3.8 trillion, a complete rebuild would amount to ₦3.6 trillion. The FEC has approved the engagement of seven specialist contractors to conduct further investigations, designs, and bidding processes under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model.
Similarly, the Carter Bridge has been deemed irreparable, with Julius Berger proposing a full replacement at ₦359 billion. The FEC has greenlit the advertisement for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) bids and funding discussions with financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank.
Umahi emphasized the urgency of intervention, citing decades of neglect and human activities that have weakened the bridge’s substructure. “Whether we choose rehabilitation or reconstruction, both options require substantial investment and expertise,” he said.
The FEC also approved emergency repairs for several other bridges across Taraba, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos. These proposals will be forwarded to the President for final approval.
Additionally, ₦493 billion has been allocated for the upgrade of the Kano–Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge. The project’s cost has surged, with Section One now estimated at ₦68 billion and Section Two at ₦66.115 billion.
Umahi noted that due to the scale of these projects, federal funding alone would be insufficient. “We are exploring partnerships to attract private investment while maintaining government oversight,” he said.
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