The Federal Government has approved the demolition and reconstruction of the historic Carter Bridge, bringing to a close more than a century of service by one of Lagos’ oldest transport landmarks.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved technical evaluations and stakeholder consultations, which determined that the bridge is structurally beyond rehabilitation.
Constructed in 1901 by the British colonial administration, Carter Bridge was the first permanent link between Lagos Island and the mainland. Named after Sir Gilbert Thomas Carter, then Governor of the Colony of Lagos, the original structure was a swing bridge designed to allow marine traffic passage. It was later reconstructed in the 1970s to meet growing vehicular demand as Lagos expanded rapidly. For over a century, the bridge has served as a critical artery connecting Lagos Island to Iddo and Ebute Metta, supporting commercial and residential growth in Nigeria’s economic capital.
However, engineering assessments have now concluded that the ageing structure can no longer be salvaged.
The new bridge is projected to cost ₦5.6 billion. Advanced Engineering Consultants has been engaged to undertake detailed design and cost evaluation ahead of the procurement process.
Six Major Road Projects Also Approved
Umahi further announced presidential approval for six major road projects across the country:
Suleja–Minna Road:
The remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway will be completed after the termination of the original contract awarded to Salini Construction over poor performance, with only 10 kilometres delivered. One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for ₦91 billion, while the second carriageway has received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Kano–Kongolam Road (132km):
Originally awarded in 2022 under a tax credit scheme, the road linking Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states has been redesigned from asphalt to a three-lane concrete carriageway. The upgraded design includes solar-powered streetlights and CCTV installations. The revised project cost stands at ₦334 billion.
Abuja–Lokoja Road (86km section):
Following the termination of contracts with two underperforming contractors, the affected stretch will be reconstructed using reinforced concrete and handled by five firms, including Julius Berger. The project is valued at ₦146 billion.
Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road (103km):
Valued at ₦427 billion, the dual carriageway project, which recorded limited progress under the previous administration, has been reviewed and re-awarded for accelerated completion.
Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road (Phase II, 129.3km):
Estimated at ₦203 billion, the project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government plans to commission at least four major road projects in each of the six geopolitical zones by 15 May.
