Umahi Confirms ₦3.8 Trillion Third Mainland Bridge Rehabilitation Bill in Lagos.

Third Mainland Bridge Under risk of Underwater Repairs, Umahi Confirms ₦3.8 Trillion Repair Bill

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that approximately ₦3.8 trillion will be needed to rehabilitate the Third Mainland Bridge, following alarming findings of severe underwater structural deterioration. This disclosure was made by Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting convened in Abuja, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Third Mainland Bridge underwater damage cost 2025

According to the minister, in-depth underwater inspections conducted in 2013 and 2019 on both the Third Mainland and Carter bridges revealed critical damage to their substructures—damage attributed to illegal sand mining, relentless erosion, and corrosion of foundational piles and piers.

₦3.6 trillion new bridge construction

Umahi explained that the projected cost for rehabilitating the Third Mainland Bridge stands at ₦3.8 trillion, whereas constructing a brand-new bridge is marginally cheaper at ₦3.6 trillion.

The minister further noted that the Carter Bridge has been deemed irreparable—with full replacement estimated at around ₦359 billion.

EPC+F framework infrastructure Nigeria

The FEC has approved a structured plan under the EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) framework. This initiative empowers no fewer than seven specialized contractors to embark on thorough investigations, design, and competitive bidding—either for the end-to-end reconstruction of the bridges or their rehabilitation. As part of this approach, the government will also invite public-private partnership (PPP) proposals and explore private sector financing, including ongoing discussions with Deutsche Bank for external funding.

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Beyond Lagos, the FEC has greenlit emergency intervention for several other critical bridges across Nigeria. These include:

• Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State
• Ido Bridge in Oyo State (which suffered fire damage and necessitates partial removal)
• Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State
• Mokwa Bridge in Niger State
• A damaged bridge on the Abuja–Kogi road
• Bridges along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor affected by vehicular impact
• Jebba Bridge in Kwara State
• Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos State

The minister affirmed that these emergency efforts will be assembled into a proposal and routed to the President via the Ministry of Finance for final approval.

In a related development, the FEC also committed ₦493 billion to two major road infrastructure projects: upgrading the 152‑kilometer Kano–Katsina road and constructing a new Carter Bridge in Lagos.

Analysis & Insights

1. Magnitude of Infrastructure Financing

The estimated rehabilitation cost of ₦3.8 trillion underscores the enormous financial strain associated with restoring the Third Mainland Bridge—far above routine maintenance budgets. Opting for new construction could actually be more cost-efficient at ₦3.6 trillion, despite both being astronomical figures.

2. Standard Procedure: EPC+F & PPP Strategy

The government’s deployment of the EPC+F model, along with PPP invitations, indicates a pivot toward blended financing. This reflects an effort to lessen exclusive reliance on government expenditure by encouraging private-sector involvement and tapping into alternative funding sources such as institutions like Deutsche Bank.

3. Nationwide Focus on Structural Integrity

Lagos isn’t the only focus—interventions span from Taraba to Nasarawa and Kwara to Niger State. There’s a clear push for a coordinated, national-level upgrade of critical bridge infrastructure.

4. Strategic Allocation of Funds

Allocating ₦493 billion toward the Kano–Katsina road upgrade and a new Carter Bridge spotlights a dual-track infrastructure agenda—targeting both urgent restoration and new transportation corridors.