The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the demolition and complete reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos, Minister of Works David Umahi announced on Wednesday.
Umahi disclosed this while briefing journalists at the State House in Abuja following the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, the decision followed extensive technical assessments and consultations with relevant stakeholders, which concluded that the ageing bridge can no longer undergo effective rehabilitation.
“Recall that we have been to FEC and got approval after going through stakeholders’ engagements. The total recommendation was that Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated; it should be demolished and then a new bridge constructed,” Umahi said.
As part of the process leading to the reconstruction, the council also approved the sum of ₦5.6 billion for the engagement of advanced engineering consultants. The consultants will handle the detailed design, structural planning, and cost evaluation for the new bridge project.
Umahi explained that the planned reconstruction forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reinforce critical transport infrastructure nationwide and improve road connectivity.
He further revealed that the council approved six major infrastructure projects during the meeting, covering highway reconstruction and upgrades across several geopolitical zones.
According to him, the government intends to present at least four completed infrastructure projects in each zone for commissioning by President Tinubu before May 15.
“We are presenting a minimum of four completed projects in each zone for presidential commissioning by May 15. These are not palliative works; they are major infrastructure projects,” Umahi added.
The Carter Bridge, which connects Lagos Island to the mainland, remains one of the busiest transport corridors in Nigeria’s commercial capital, accommodating a significant volume of vehicular traffic daily.
Authorities say the planned demolition and reconstruction will ensure the long-term structural integrity and safety of the critical link within Lagos’ road network.
