The Federal Government has revealed a massive financial outlay of approximately ₦45 billion dedicated to the maintenance and rehabilitation of Lagos's vital Third Mainland Bridge. This investment, aimed at extending the lifespan of the critical infrastructure and ensuring motorist safety, was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Addressing a Legacy of Deterioration
Minister Umahi, speaking during the inauguration of a new ₦40 billion closed-circuit television (CCTV) control centre on the bridge, painted a grim picture of the structure's condition when the current administration took office in 2023. "When we came on board in 2023, we met a very terrible Third Mainland Bridge," the minister stated.
He explained that the bridge, along with the Carter and Iddo bridges, required an urgent and comprehensive technical re-evaluation. The extensive repair works, approved by President Bola Tinubu, involved critical interventions both above and below the water level, including the replacement of expansion joints to improve driving conditions and secure the bridge's future.
A High-Tech Surveillance Hub for Safety
The newly inaugurated CCTV control centre represents a significant leap in infrastructure management and public safety for Nigeria. According to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, this facility is the first of its kind on any bridge in the country.
The sophisticated system is designed for real-time monitoring of all activities on the bridge and the surrounding waters. Umahi highlighted its multi-purpose role: to curb dangerous driving, prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen overall security. "The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge," he said, expressing concern over excessive speeding and urging compliance with traffic laws.
Security personnel will monitor live footage from the centre to enforce speed limits and enable rapid response to incidents, aiming to reduce accidents and improve traffic management.
Project Specifications and Future Plans
Engineer Dare provided detailed specifications for the landmark CCTV project, which was awarded for ₦40.17 billion. He confirmed that about ₦36 billion has already been disbursed to the contractor.
The extensive project includes:
- 240 solar panels and 10 inverters for sustainable power.
- A 300 kVA transformer and a standby generator.
- Multiple monitoring screens in a fully air-conditioned control room.
- Installation of 1,268 solar-powered street lights along the bridge.
- A borehole facility, a surveillance boat, and two Hilux vans to support security agencies.
Dare noted that the current inauguration marks only the first phase of the project. Further commissioning is expected upon completion of work on the bridge's extension, indicating ongoing commitment to the infrastructure's upgrade.
The combined investment of ₦85 billion for both rehabilitation and high-tech surveillance underscores the government's stated priority to safeguard one of Nigeria's most important and heavily used transport arteries, ensuring it serves Lagosians safely for years to come.
