- Umahi disclosed that the latest findings showed that several supporting piles beneath the bridges had shifted from their original positions
- the new bridge will include a modern cable-stayed section aimed at improving water navigation and enhancing the city’s skyline
- The ₦545 billion project will be financed through a combination of Federal Government funding and external loans
The Federal Government has formally transferred the construction of a new Carter Bridge project to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporationas part of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve public safety in Lagos.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the handover ceremony was held on Wednesday at Carter Bridge on Lagos Island.
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Speaking at the event, Minister of Works David Umahi explained that the decision followed years of structural investigations which uncovered serious deterioration beneath both Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to the minister, underwater assessments carried out in 2013 and again in 2019 revealed increasing structural defects, prompting the current administration to order additional investigations involving geologists and specialist divers.
Umahi disclosed that the latest findings showed that several supporting piles beneath the bridges had shifted from their original positions, creating major safety concerns.
He stated that consultations with engineers, lawmakers, and international bridge experts showed that rehabilitating the Carter Bridge would cost nearly twice as much as constructing a new one.
As part of the redesign, the new bridge will include a modern cable-stayed section aimed at improving water navigation and enhancing the city’s skyline.
The project is expected to be completed within 36 months.
Umahi noted that the contract was awarded after a competitive bidding process involving seven construction firms, with CCECC emerging as the preferred bidder based on technical and financial evaluations approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.
The ₦545 billion project will be financed through a combination of Federal Government funding and external loans, with the government providing 30 per cent counterpart funding while the remaining 70 per cent will come from external sources.
The minister directed the contractor to begin immediate mobilisation to the site and assured Nigerians that the ministry would carry out regular inspections to ensure quality and compliance with safety standards.
Meanwhile, Umahi also announced the emergency closure of one section of the Eko Bridge following severe structural damage linked to illegal sand dredging activities.
He revealed that sand miners accidentally damaged several supporting piles after striking a pile cap with a barge, weakening part of the bridge and causing visible cracks.
To prevent further danger, one carriageway of the bridge will be shut down from midnight on May 10, 2026, while traffic will continue on the unaffected side.
The minister said emergency repair plans have already been developed, including lifting part of the bridge structure to access and repair the damaged sections below.
He added that Buildwell Construction, a company experienced in bridge lifting operations, would handle the repairs alongside underwater inspections by specialist divers.
Umahi assured residents that President Bola Tinubu had been fully informed and directed that urgent measures be taken to address the situation.
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