Nigerian Government Denies ₦6.3trn 3rd Mainland Bridge Reconstruction Contract

The Nigerian Government has debunked claims that a ₦6.3 trillion contract for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos has been awarded, clarifying that no such approval has been given.

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, made the clarification in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, when he received the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on a courtesy visit to Ebonyi state, South East, Nigeria.

‎Umahi explained that while the 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge require urgent attention, engagements with experts are still ongoing to determine the best technical and financial solutions.

He stressed that the findings presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were preliminary cost estimates prepared by Julius Berger and not contract approvals.

“No contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Any information aside this is not correct. What we did was to present findings to FEC for consideration, not for award,” he emphasised.

Providing details, Umahi revealed that repairing the 3rd Mainland Bridge would cost an estimated ₦3.86 trillion, while building a new one could take about ₦3.6 trillion. Similarly, rehabilitating Carter Bridge is projected at ₦386 billion, while constructing a new bridge could cost about ₦359 billion.

The Minister further disclosed that heavy trucks have been barred from the 3rd Mainland Bridge, while the Carter Bridge will also be closed to heavy-duty vehicles by September 2025.

He added that rehabilitation works are ongoing at the Eko Bridge, which was previously damaged by fire, and that the Independence Bridge has been restored for use.

‎On the next steps, Umahi said the government will advertise for bids from bridge construction experts to carry out fresh investigations, designs, and costings.

He added that Public-Private Partnership (PPP) options would also be explored to finance the projects through tolling and private investment.

‎The three major bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland are Carter Bridge, built in 1901; the 3rd Mainland Bridge, constructed in phases between 1980 and 1990; and the Eko Bridge, built in phases between 1965 and 1975.