Abuja, Nigeria – August 15, 2025
The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to either fully rebuild or comprehensively rehabilitate Lagos’ iconic Third Mainland Bridge, with an eye-popping ₦3.8 trillion budget, nearly 180 times the ₦21 billion recently spent on its repair.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced Friday that a fresh structural assessment revealed extensive underwater damage threatening the bridge’s long-term safety. He explained that while the earlier works focused on surface and joint repairs, deeper foundational issues beneath the lagoon now require a far more extensive intervention.
“This is not about patching cracks; it’s about safeguarding the very backbone of the structure,” Umahi said, noting that the new plan aims to meet modern engineering standards capable of handling the city’s ever-growing traffic and environmental challenges.
Serving as a vital artery linking Lagos Island to the mainland, the Third Mainland Bridge carries millions of commuters daily. The government is still weighing whether to embark on a complete rebuild or a heavy-duty rehabilitation, with funding options and project timelines under discussion.
Infrastructure analysts describe the proposed cost as unprecedented for a single Nigerian bridge project, cautioning that transparency, technical integrity, and strict oversight will be essential to ensure value for money.
