FG Plans ₦30bn Intervention To Stabilise Eko Bridge, Begins New Carter Bridge Project

The Federal Government has announced plans to commit about ₦30 billion towards emergency repairs and long-term rehabilitation of the ageing Eko Bridge in Lagos, while also commencing preparations for the construction of a new Carter Bridge.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection tour of federal road and bridge projects in Lagos, where he said the interventions were part of efforts to protect critical infrastructure and improve transportation in the commercial city.

Umahi said immediate stabilisation works had commenced on Eko Bridge following structural concerns linked to illegal sand dredging, repeated accidents involving heavy-duty trucks and fire incidents caused by trading activities beneath the bridge.

According to the minister, an emergency intervention estimated at ₦12 billion had been forwarded for approval, while an existing contract worth about ₦18 billion covers underwater repairs and replacement of damaged structural components.

“The immediate intervention is going to cost about ₦12 billion. We have 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 were adopting faster construction methods to ensure timely completion of the rehabilitation without compromising safety standards.

Umahi said the project would involve excavating areas beneath the bridge and constructing reinforced concrete pavement to achieve the required clearance for heavy-duty vehicles.

He added that future bridge designs by the ministry would adopt a minimum clearance height 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 illegal activities and encroachment around bridge corridors.

Construction of New Carter Bridge Begins

Umahi announced that mobilisation for the construction of a new Carter Bridge would begin this month, with physical work expected to commence on Monday.

He commended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor handling the project, for mobilising equipment and personnel despite the government’s mobilisation payment yet to be released.

“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 said government would proceed with processing the statutory 30 per cent mobilisation payment for the project.

He also praised the project consultant, Advanced Engineering Consultant (AEC), for resolving technical and stakeholder challenges that had affected the original design.

Umahi said more than 80 per cent of the issues surrounding the project alignment had been addressed, including concerns involving sensitive areas around the Oba of Lagos’ Palace.

The new Carter Bridge, he explained, would feature modern engineering designs, including two navigation spans measuring 105 metres each to support water transportation and maritime activities.

The bridge would also have a 12-metre clearance height and wider navigation spans compared with the existing structure, according to Olatinwo Alatinwo, Director of Advanced Engineering Consultant.

Alatinwo said the revised design would reduce disruption to surrounding communities while providing a long-term transport solution capable of meeting future demands.

CCECC Nigeria Limited Project Manager, Dang Yinan, assured the government that the company was ready to begin construction immediately.

Tinubu Administration Focused on Infrastructure — Umahi

Umahi also highlighted other infrastructure projects approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the release of funds for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Road Project and progress on the 125-kilometre Agwanga–Jos corridor.

He disclosed that the Gombe–Biu Road project had been awarded, while the design of the Gombe–Bauchi Road was ongoing.

The minister defended the administration’s policies, saying leadership involved confronting challenges and making difficult decisions for long-term national development.

“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.