The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a special allocation of N341 billion for the urgent repair of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges in Lagos.
This decision comes in response to severe structural damage that has accumulated over decades of neglect, posing imminent safety risks.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this development during a briefing with members of the National Assembly. He emphasized the critical nature of the repairs, stating, "We are facing a situation where immediate intervention is necessary to avert potential disasters on these vital infrastructures."
The proposed budget aims to address the extensive damage and ensure the safety of commuters who rely heavily on these bridges. However, Umahi acknowledged the financial challenge, noting, "Even N30 trillion might not suffice if we were to rebuild the Carter and Third Mainland Bridges from scratch. Therefore, timely maintenance is crucial."
Lawmakers, led by Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwebonyi, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, have called for a declaration of a state of emergency on all Nigerian bridges. They highlighted the absence of post-rehabilitation maintenance plans as a major factor contributing to the current state of disrepair. "Human life is more important than the money that is going to be spent," they asserted, urging for comprehensive surveys to assess the condition of all bridges before finalizing repair budgets.
The initiative has received backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been praised for his ongoing support of infrastructure projects. The government plans to produce a detailed documentary on the state of the bridges to further inform both the President and the National Assembly.
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