By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government has spent ₦43 billion on the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed.

Speaking during a media briefing, Umahi explained that the funds were used to carry out extensive repairs across the bridge, including rebuilding and repainting concrete sections, replacing expansion joints, and installing solar-powered lighting on both carriageways.

The rehabilitation project was aimed at ensuring the bridge’s structural integrity and enhancing safety for motorists.

In addition to the main rehabilitation, the bridge now features a new CCTV surveillance centre, which Umahi stated was installed at a cost of about ₦2.5 billion. He clarified that this figure is separate from the ₦43 billion spent on the rehabilitation itself, countering earlier claims suggesting otherwise.

The Minister emphasized that the Third Mainland Bridge project is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to upgrade critical transport infrastructure in Lagos and other major cities across Nigeria.

Officials say the rehabilitation works are expected to prolong the lifespan of the bridge, reduce traffic disruption caused by maintenance, and improve safety for the thousands of commuters who use the bridge daily.

The Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos’ longest bridge connecting the island to the mainland, has long been a critical artery for traffic, and its maintenance is seen as vital to economic activities in the state.