Umahi says fixing Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge could cost over ₦3 trillion after severe damage.
FEC also approves major road and bridge projects, seeking private sector funding for execution.
Minister of Works David Umahi has disclosed that restoring Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge will require more than ₦3 trillion. Speaking after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, he said underwater and structural assessments revealed significant deterioration to the bridge’s piles and piers, largely due to illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion.
According to Umahi, the rehabilitation project is estimated at ₦3.8 trillion, while building a new bridge from scratch would cost around ₦3.6 trillion. He explained that the government had approved the engagement of at least seven specialist contractors to carry out detailed investigations, prepare designs, and submit bids for both rehabilitation and reconstruction under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) arrangement.
He also revealed that similar assessments on the Carter Bridge showed it was beyond repair, with Julius Berger recommending complete replacement at a cost of ₦359 billion. FEC has approved plans to advertise for public-private partnership bids and initiate funding discussions with lenders, including Deutsche Bank.
“The damage beneath these bridges has worsened over decades due to neglect and harmful human activities,” Umahi said. “Whether we choose rehabilitation or a total rebuild, both options demand massive resources and specialized engineering.”
FEC further endorsed emergency works on damaged bridges across Taraba, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos. These proposals will be compiled and sent to President Bola Tinubu for approval.
In addition, ₦493 billion was allocated for the reconstruction of the Kano–Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge. Umahi noted that costs for the 152km Kano–Katsina Road have surged, with Section One now priced at ₦68 billion and Section Two at ₦66.115 billion. He stressed that the scale of these projects makes private sector involvement essential, with the government maintaining oversight to ensure quality and transparency.
