“Rehabilitating Third Mainland Bridge Will Cost N3.8 Trillion” – Umahi

The federal government has revealed that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos requires approximately N3.8 trillion for rehabilitation after severe underwater structural issues were detected.

David Umahi, Minister of Works, disclosed the findings on Wednesday following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

The minister cited underwater assessments carried out in 2013 and 2019 on both the Third Mainland and Carter bridges. These inspections reportedly revealed extensive damage to the substructures, attributed to illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion of piles and piers.

Umahi explained, “For the Third Mainland Bridge, if we are to rehabilitate, the cost comes to about N3.8 trillion. Constructing a new bridge would cost about N3.6 trillion.”

He said the rehabilitation plan is part of a broader initiative that includes emergency interventions on several bridges across the country. Under the approved EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) framework, at least seven specialist contractors will conduct comprehensive investigations, design, and bidding for either reconstruction or rehabilitation projects.

The FEC also approved public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities, allowing private sector participation in bridge rehabilitation projects.

Other bridges slated for intervention include the Jalingo Bridge in Taraba, the Ido Bridge in Oyo (which requires removal of three burnt spans), the Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa, the Mokwa Bridge in Niger, and a damaged bridge along the Abuja-Kogi road. Additionally, bridges between Lagos and Ibadan, Jebba Bridge in Kwara, and the Itokin-Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos will undergo inspections.

Umahi noted that these emergency works will be formally submitted to President Tinubu for approval through the Ministry of Finance.

Earlier, the minister mentioned that the council approved N493 billion for two major infrastructure projects: the upgrade of the 152-kilometre Kano-Katsina road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos.