The Nigerian government has denied awarding a contract for the reconstruction of Lagos’s aging Third Mainland Bridge, following recent reports speculating about a 6.3 trillion naira project. Works Minister David Umahi clarified during a meeting with Information Minister Mohammed Idris in Abakaliki on Saturday that cost estimates presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were preliminary findings, not finalized plans. The 53-year-old bridge, a critical link between Lagos Island and the mainland, faces structural challenges alongside the century-old Carter Bridge, with both requiring urgent attention due to prolonged wear.
Umahi revealed assessments conducted in 2013 and 2019 identified persistent defects, prompting discussions with engineers and stakeholders. Cost analyses by Julius Berger Ltd., a construction firm involved in prior evaluations, indicated rehabilitating the Third Mainland Bridge could cost 3.86 trillion naira, while building anew might total 3.6 trillion naira. Similarly, repairing Carter Bridge was estimated at 386 billion naira, compared to 359 billion naira for a replacement. “These figures were shared with FEC to highlight the urgency, not to approve contracts,” Umahi emphasized, dismissing claims of finalized agreements as incorrect. He stressed the need for broader expert input to explore cost-effective solutions.
To mitigate further damage, heavy trucks have been barred from the Third Mainland Bridge since July, with similar restrictions on Carter Bridge set for September. Only the rehabilitated Independence Bridge currently accommodates heavy-duty vehicles traversing the lagoon. Meanwhile, repairs continue on the Eko Bridge, which suffered a major fire in 2022. The minister outlined plans to solicit technical and financial proposals from global infrastructure firms and consider public-private partnerships, including tolling options, to fund sustainable upgrades.
The three bridges—Carter (1901), Third Mainland (phased construction 1980–1990), and Eko (1965–1975)—serve over 500,000 vehicles daily in Africa’s most populous city. Their deterioration underscores broader challenges in maintaining aging infrastructure in Lagos, a metropolis of 20 million people. The government’s cautious approach reflects balancing fiscal constraints with the need for durable solutions, as delays risk exacerbating traffic gridlock and economic disruptions. Authorities aim to finalize a strategy by early 2024, prioritizing safety and long-term viability for these vital transport arteries.
