FG Spent N43bn on Third Mainland Bridge Repairs — Works Minister

The Federal Government spent N43 billion on the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said.

Umahi disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Lagos. He added that the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) control centre installed as part of the project cost about N2.5 billion.

According to the minister, the rehabilitation covered 14 kilometres of the bridge, with a width of 14 metres on dual carriageways. The scope of work included structural repairs, replacement of expansion joints, repainting of concrete elements and installation of solar-powered lighting.

“The total contract sum for the rehabilitation of the bridge is N43 billion, while the CCTV centre cost is not more than N2.5 billion,” Umahi said.

He explained that when the current administration assumed office in 2023, the Third Mainland Bridge, as well as Carter Bridge and Iddo Bridge, were in poor condition, with defects on the pavement, surface infrastructure and underwater components.

Umahi said the president subsequently directed a comprehensive reassessment and full rehabilitation of the bridges, including the replacement of expansion joints on the Third Mainland Bridge.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, said the CCTV centre is the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria.

He said the facility is supported by dedicated surveillance assets, including patrol boats and two Hilux vans. The centre is powered by 240 solar panels, backed by 10 inverters, a 300 KVA transformer and a standby generator.

Dare added that the control room is fully air-conditioned and equipped with multiple monitoring screens to ensure round-the-clock surveillance of the bridge.