The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that the rehabilitation of Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge will cost an estimated N3.6 trillion due to extensive underwater structural defects.
Speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Umahi said the 11.8-kilometre bridge requires major works on its substructure to ensure long-term safety and stability.
He noted that the scale of damage necessitated a review of the initial rehabilitation plan, which earlier this year had been estimated at N21 billion.
“In Lagos, we are having a very deep conversation on the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. The Third Mainland Bridge has issues with its underwater structure, and rehabilitation will require significant investment,” Umahi said.
In addition to the Third Mainland Bridge, the FEC approved N493 billion for two major infrastructure projects — N359 billion for the reconstruction of Lagos’ Carter Bridge and N134 billion for the upgrade of the 152-kilometre Kano–Katsina Road.
According to the minister, the Carter Bridge was declared irreparable after suffering structural damage, while the cost of the Kano–Katsina Road project increased due to prevailing economic conditions.
The announcement comes less than a week after the Federal Government ordered the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge to heavy-duty vehicles as part of ongoing safety measures.
Umahi emphasised that the investments are part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure renewal programme aimed at preserving critical national assets and ensuring safe transportation corridors across the country.