The Federal Government is planning to commit about ₦30 billion to emergency and long-term repairs aimed at preventing the collapse of the ageing Eko Bridge in Lagos, while also preparing to begin construction of a new Carter Bridge as part of broader efforts to modernise critical transport infrastructure in the commercial capital.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos. He also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, dismissing critics as underestimating the complexity of governance.
Umahi said emergency stabilisation works had already begun on Eko Bridge following structural risks linked to illegal sand dredging, repeated collisions involving heavy-duty trucks, and fire damage caused by trading activities beneath the structure.
He explained that an immediate intervention estimated at ₦12 billion has been proposed for approval, while another ongoing contract valued at about ₦18 billion covers underwater repairs and the replacement of key structural components.
According to him, the combined interventions are aimed at safeguarding the bridge and ensuring its continued service while long-term reconstruction plans are being developed.
‘The immediate intervention is going to cost about ₦12 billion. We’ve sent it through the appropriate channels, and by next week, I will be meeting Mr President for intervention funds to restore that bridge’, Umahi said.
He explained that engineers had adopted alternative construction methods to accelerate rehabilitation works without compromising safety standards.
‘To save time, we decided that instead of using concrete beams, we would use T-beams. Every stage of the construction will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with engineering designs and approved construction procedures’, he said.
The Minister expressed confidence that rehabilitation works on Eko Bridge would be completed before the end of the year.
He disclosed that part of the intervention includes excavating sections beneath the bridge and constructing reinforced concrete pavement to achieve the minimum engineering headroom requirement of 5.6 metres for heavy-duty trucks.
Umahi added that future bridge projects under the Ministry would adopt a higher clearance standard of 6.5 metres to accommodate larger vehicles and improve durability.
The Minister also directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to establish a task force to address the illegal occupation of spaces beneath bridges and to prevent activities that could endanger public infrastructure.
On the proposed new Carter Bridge, Umahi announced that mobilisation for construction would commence this month, with site activities expected to begin on Monday.
He commended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor handling the project, for demonstrating commitment by mobilising equipment and personnel even before receiving mobilisation funds.
‘I am very impressed with what CCECC is doing. We have not even paid the mobilisation fee, but they have shown willingness to partner with the Federal Government and demonstrate capacity’, he said.
The Minister disclosed that the government would now proceed with processing the statutory 30 per cent mobilisation payment.
He also praised the project’s consultant, Advanced Engineering Consultant (AEC), for helping to resolve complex engineering and stakeholder issues that had threatened the bridge’s original alignment.
According to Umahi, technical reviews and consultations successfully addressed more than 80 per cent of the encumbrances affecting the project, including concerns relating to the vicinity of the Oba of Lagos’ Palace and other sensitive locations.
The new Carter Bridge, he said, would feature modern engineering designs, including two navigation spans of 105 metres each to enhance water transportation and marine activities along the corridor.
‘We are bringing in modern road and bridge architecture. The bridge will have two 105-metre spans to aid navigation, and it will also feature a rope bridge. We must continue to develop forward, not backward’, he stated.
Director of Advanced Engineering Consultant, Olatinwo Alatinwo, said the bridge design had been significantly optimised following consultations with stakeholders.
He noted that the revised alignment minimises disruption to surrounding communities while creating a sustainable long-term transport solution.
According to him, the new bridge will provide a clearance height of 12 metres and feature navigation spans significantly wider than those on the existing structure.
‘The new bridge takes care of both today’s demand and future demand’, he said.
CCECC Nigeria Limited Project Manager, Dang Yinan, assured the government of the company’s readiness to commence work immediately.
‘Following Your Excellency’s directive and our mobilisation plan, we will begin accessing the site on Monday and do our best to deliver the project’, he said.
Umahi also used the occasion to highlight what he described as President Tinubu’s commitment to nationwide infrastructure development.
He revealed that the President had approved the release of funds for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Road Project, the 125-kilometre Agwanga–Jos corridor, while the Gombe–Biu Road project had been awarded and the design of the Gombe–Bauchi Road was underway.
The Minister dismissed claims by some political figures that they were better qualified to lead the country than Tinubu.
He argued that the President’s record, particularly during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, demonstrated exceptional leadership capacity and vision.
‘There are challenges, but leadership is about finding solutions. The courage to confront those challenges is what President Bola Tinubu continues to demonstrate’, Umahi said.
