FG Approves N3.8 Trillion Plan for Third Mainland Bridge Repairs, 180 Times More Than Last Year’s N21bn Emergency Work
By SpringnewsNG Media Limited August 15,2025
The Federal Government has approved plans to either fully rehabilitate or completely rebuild the iconic Third Mainland Bridge at an estimated cost of N3.8 trillion—nearly 180 times the N21 billion spent on emergency repairs just nine months ago.
Speaking after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Minister of Works Dave Umahi revealed that fresh underwater and structural assessments uncovered severe deterioration of the bridge’s piles and piers caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion.
According to Umahi, past investigations in 2013 and 2019 had already identified major damage to the bridge’s foundations due to ocean currents and sand loss around its piers.
“When we calculated the cost for rehabilitation, it came to about N3.8 trillion. Building a brand new bridge would cost roughly N3.6 trillion. The Carter Bridge, on the other hand, is beyond repair, with a feasible replacement estimated at N359 billion,” he said.
The minister added that FEC granted four key approvals for the Third Mainland Bridge project, including:
- Engaging seven specialist contractors for comprehensive investigations, designs, and bidding.
- Using the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model.
- Funding through a public-private partnership (PPP), with private sector financing discussions already underway with Deutsche Bank.
Carter Bridge Beyond Repair
Umahi disclosed that rehabilitation of the Carter Bridge was deemed unfeasible after a proposed N380 billion repair plan failed technical evaluations. Instead, a full replacement—costed at N359 billion—is now being considered, with potential funding from Dutch lenders.
A Critical Lifeline for Lagos
Built between 1976 and 1990, the Third Mainland Bridge was once Africa’s longest bridge until Egypt’s 6th October Bridge surpassed it in 1996. It remains a vital transport artery for Lagos’ more than 20 million residents, linking the mainland to Lagos Island.
In November 2023, the federal government, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, undertook a N21.074 billion emergency repair. That intervention included resurfacing works, guardrail and expansion joint replacements, fresh asphalt overlay, solar-powered street lighting, and lane markings.
Umahi noted that the expanded rehabilitation plan is now necessary to fully restore the bridge’s structural integrity, as decades of overlaid asphalt had added excessive weight, compounding the damage.
