Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos at a cost of N548.98 billion.
The approval followed independent investigations which revealed that the bridge’s underwater piles and pile caps had deteriorated beyond repair.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed at the end of the Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.
According to him, multiple investigations conducted in 2013, 2019, and under the current administration, including assessments by Julius Berger, all concluded that the structure could no longer be salvaged.
“We convocated a stakeholders’ engagement, and all the technical experts… agreed that we could not redeem Carter Bridge, and it has to be completely demolished and rebuilt,” he said.
He explained that the underwater components had deteriorated at what he described as a “geometrical progression,” leaving full reconstruction as the only viable option.
The reconstruction contract was awarded to China Communications Construction Company after a competitive bidding process involving major firms, including Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC, and China Harbour High Tech.
Umahi revealed that the new bridge would be longer and more modern, with key upgrades:
Expansion from 1.525 km to 1.93 km
Addition of a flyover ramp to eliminate traffic bottlenecks
Installation of a dual navigational waterway (105 metres each)
“We’ve gone through rigorous procurement and design… The total contract sum approved is N548.98bn,” Umahi added.
Other Approved Projects
The Federal Executive Council also approved N24.89 billion for underwater repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge, to be handled by Julius Berger.
These projects are part of infrastructure developments scheduled ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29.
Historical Significance
The Carter Bridge is one of Lagos’ oldest and most important transport links, connecting Lagos Island to the mainland across the Lagos Lagoon.
The after Gilbert Carter, the bridge has served as a vital traffic artery for decades.
