Man and Woman With Baskets on Their Heads Seen Speaking to Governor Soludo
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stunned many with new figures for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the iconic Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. Speaking after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Umahi disclosed that repairing the existing bridge would cost about ₦3.8 trillion, while building an entirely new one would cost slightly less at ₦3.6 trillion.
The revelation is unusual, as rehabilitation projects are typically cheaper than full reconstruction. However, Umahi explained that recent underwater inspections revealed extensive corrosion and erosion affecting the bridge’s foundations, making repairs extremely complex and expensive. “We have to work under the water, deal with structural weaknesses, and restore damaged sections — it’s not a simple resurfacing project,” he said.
The Third Mainland Bridge, completed in 1990, is the longest bridge in West Africa, linking Lagos Island to the mainland and serving hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. In recent years, it has undergone multiple closures for maintenance, but experts warn that its age and exposure to harsh marine conditions have worsened its structural state.
The minister added that the government is considering Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) arrangements to fund the project without overburdening federal coffers. The decision on whether to rehabilitate or reconstruct will be influenced by cost-benefit analysis, funding availability, and the urgency of addressing safety concerns.
For Lagos residents, the news has sparked debate. Some argue that a full rebuild makes sense since it costs less and could provide a more modern, longer-lasting structure. Others worry about the disruption such a massive project could cause, potentially affecting traffic and business for years.
With the Third Mainland Bridge being a critical transport artery, the government faces mounting pressure to act quickly — but also wisely — to ensure safety, durability, and minimal disruption to Nigeria’s commercial hub.
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