Federal Government Greenlights Demolition and Reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has given its approval for the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos, with a budget exceeding N5 billion. This significant decision was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Wednesday, March 4.
Major Road Projects Approved Nationwide
In addition to the Carter Bridge project, President Tinubu has sanctioned several other critical road initiatives across Nigeria. Umahi confirmed that a total of six major projects received approval from the council, highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development.
Completion of Suleja-Minna Road
Among the approved projects is the completion of the Suleja-Minna Road, which was previously awarded to Salini Construction Company but terminated due to unsatisfactory performance. Umahi noted that only about 10 kilometres of the road had been completed before the contract was cancelled. Following a comprehensive review, the government has resolved to finish the remaining 71 kilometres as a dual carriageway.
One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) at a cost of N91 billion, while the second carriageway has obtained clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). President Tinubu has directed that reinforced concrete be used for construction to ensure long-term durability.
Details on Carter Bridge Reconstruction
The FEC has allocated N5.6 billion specifically for the design and costing of the new Carter Bridge project in Lagos. Umahi explained that technical assessments and stakeholder engagements have concluded that the existing bridge is beyond rehabilitation and must be demolished to make way for a completely new structure.
"The stakeholders' engagement and technical reviews showed that the Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated. It has to be demolished and a completely new bridge constructed," Umahi stated.
Advanced Engineering Consultants has been engaged to conduct the full design and cost evaluation, which will precede the procurement process for construction.
Kano-Kongolam Road Project Revised
Another project approved by FEC is the review and rescoping of the Kano-Kongolam Road, a tax credit initiative originally awarded in 2022. This 132-kilometre road spans Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states.
Initially planned as an asphalt road, the project has been redesigned to feature a three-lane concrete carriageway. It will also include solar-powered streetlights and CCTV installations to enhance security. The revised project is estimated to cost N334 billion.
These approvals underscore the Federal Government's intensified efforts to upgrade Nigeria's transportation infrastructure, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
