The Federal Government of Nigeria is accelerating efforts to restore critical
infrastructure in Lagos State, with significant progress reported on the rehabilitation of Eko Bridge and the imminent commencement of the new Carter Bridge.
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, affirmed the govt’s
commitment, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in driving transformative projects nationwide.
During an inspection of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Minister Umahi provided updates on the ambitious undertakings.
He disclosed that work on the Eko Bridge rehabilitation is advancing steadily, while mobilization for the construction of the new Carter Bridge is slated to begin this month.
Eko Bridge: A Resilient Comeback
The Eko Bridge, a vital artery in Lagos, has faced considerable challenges, including damage from a fire caused by trading activities and repeated collisions by heavy-duty trucks due to inadequate headroom.
To expedite its reconstruction without compromising quality, Federal Ministry of Works adopted innovative engineering solutions.
“Today, we saw the rebuilding process and, to save time, we decided instead of using concrete beams, we would use T-beams,” Minister Umahi stated.
He assured that every stage of the project would be meticulously monitored to ensure strict adherence to engineering designs and construction standards.
The Minister expressed strong confidence that the Eko Bridge would be fully completed before the end of the year.
Ongoing works beneath the bridge include reinforced concrete pavement construction and excavation to achieve a minimum headroom of 5.6 meters for trucks, aligning with standard engineering designs.
Furthermore, Umahi revealed that all future bridge projects under the Ministry would incorporate a higher clearance standard of 6.5 meters accommodate larger vehicles and enhance durability.
However, the Minister also voiced concerns over abandoned trucks on bridges and the illegal occupation of spaces beneath bridge structures, directing the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to establish a task force to curb such abuses.
He also highlighted that illegal
sand dredging had significantly contributed to the structural damage of Eko Bridge.
The emergency intervention for the bridge is estimated at approximately ₦12 billion, with an additional ₦18 billion allocated for ongoing underwater repairs and the replacement of critical components.
New Carter Bridge: A Vision for Modern Infrastructure
Turning to the new Carter Bridge project, Minister Umahi lauded China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for their proactive mobilization to the site even before receiving mobilization funds.
He emphasized the importance of contractors demonstrating capacity and willingness to partner with the Federal Government, confirming that the statutory 30 percent mobilization payment would now be processed.
Advanced Engineering Consultant (AEC), the project’s consultant, also received high praise for their collaboration with the Ministry in resolving the complex engineering and stakeholder concerns regarding the bridge’s alignment.
Through technical reviews consultations, the project team successfully eliminated over 80 percent of the encumbrances that initially threatened the original design, including issues affecting sensitive locations like the Oba of Lagos’ Palace.
Umahi announced that the new Carter Bridge would feature modern engineering elements of international standards, including two spans of 105 meters each to aid navigation and a “very fantastic rope bridge.”
Construction activities are set to commence on Monday, with full mobilization expected within the month.
The Director of Advanced Engineering
Consultant, Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo, explained that the optimized design minimizes disruptions and provides a sustainable long-term solution, with the new bridge standing 12 meters high to meet both current and future demands.
Mr. Dang Yinan, Project Manager of
CCECC Nigeria Limited, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to begin work.
Broader Infrastructure Commitment and a Rebuttal to Critics
Minister Umahi underscored President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development across all regions of the country.
He disclosed that the President had recently approved the release of funds for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Road Project, 125- kilometer Agwanga- Jos corridor, and that the Gombe-Biu Road has been awarded, with the
design of the Gombe-Bauchi Road currently underway.
Addressing critics and political opponents of President Tinubu, Umahi asserted, “Talk is very cheap.”
He challenged those claiming superior qualifications, drawing a comparison to
President Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor, where he “tamed the Atlantic Ocean.”
The Minister emphasized that governing Nigeria demands courage, resilience, and uncommon leadership—qualities he believes President Tinubu consistently demonstrates despite challenges.
“Life did not promise us there would be no challenges. The important thing is to have the courage to face those challenges, and that is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing,” Umahi concluded.
