FG to Explore New Funding for Carter and Third Mainland Bridge

The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking a fresh look at how it plans to fund two of its most significant and costly infrastructure projects — the proposed new Carter Bridge and the massive Third Mainland Bridge. Following a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that new financing approaches are being considered, with a clear focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and a model known as Engineering, Procurement, Construction plus Financing (EPC+F).

The proposed construction of a completely new Carter Bridge is expected to cost around N359 billion, while the even more ambitious Third Mainland Bridge project is estimated at a staggering N3.6 trillion. These projects reflect the government’s acknowledgment of the critical need to address the aging infrastructure in Lagos, which serves as Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of its most densely populated areas.

According to Minister Umahi, the decision to revisit the funding models is not limited to new construction. The same PPP and EPC+F strategies are also being considered for the rehabilitation of the existing bridges. For Carter Bridge, the rehabilitation would cost an estimated N387 billion, while the Third Mainland Bridge could require about N3.8 trillion for a full-scale overhaul.

Umahi emphasized that the Ministry of Works has received full approval from the FEC to proceed using a selective procurement process. This allows the government to engage the private sector and qualified engineering contractors to take on either complete reconstruction or comprehensive rehabilitation under the two financing options. The aim is to bring in capable partners who can not only handle the complexity of these engineering feats but also contribute to the funding of the projects.

The rationale behind this major shift in strategy is rooted in the findings of detailed structural assessments conducted over the past decade. The Minister revealed that Carter Bridge is now deemed structurally unsalvageable. Its underwater components, especially the supporting piles, have deteriorated beyond repair. This conclusion was reached after years of inspections and studies, particularly those conducted in 2013 and 2019. The investigations highlighted major issues like underwater rusting, soil loss, and environmental damage caused by illegal sand mining operations around the bridge’s foundation.

Similarly, the Third Mainland Bridge is facing similar underwater challenges. Originally constructed using a method known as skin friction piles due to the absence of solid rock beneath the lagoon bed, the bridge now exhibits signs of significant wear and tear. This foundational vulnerability, combined with years of exposure to harsh environmental conditions and continuous vehicular pressure, has made both full rehabilitation and reconstruction extremely expensive but ultimately necessary options.

Minister Umahi explained that these bridges are vital transport links not only for Lagos State but for the entire nation. Their continued decline would have serious implications for traffic flow, economic activity, and public safety. By considering PPP and EPC+F models, the government is hoping to attract the expertise and investment capacity of the private sector to help shoulder the massive financial burden.

Beyond the Carter and Third Mainland Bridge projects, the Minister also shared updates on several other critical infrastructure efforts approved by the FEC. For instance, he confirmed that approval has been granted for the reconstruction of the Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State. Additionally, work is set to begin on replacing a three-span section of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, which was completely destroyed by fire. That particular intervention had previously been delayed but is now moving forward following a cost review and final approval.

The Council also gave the green light for emergency work on the Keffi Flyover and Mokwa Bridge in Niger State. Similarly, repair work will soon begin on the bridge connecting Abuja to Keffi, where structural issues on the deck have led to partial closures for safety reasons.

In the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, several bridges damaged by overloaded trucks have been highlighted for urgent repairs. The Jebba Bridge is another key structure marked for rehabilitation. These bridges are essential components of the national transportation network, linking major cities and facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country.

As for road projects, Umahi shared some significant updates. The 152-kilometer Kano-Katsina Road has undergone a budget review. The project was divided into two sections. Section one, covering 74.1 kilometers, has been re-evaluated and now has a budget of N68 billion. Section two, which spans 79.5 kilometers, has been allocated N96.115 billion. Combined, these sections have been earmarked for funding under the 2024–2025 national budget, with a total allocation of N120 billion.

In the southwest, the Iyin-Ilawe Road project in Ekiti State is making progress. This road, which spans about 30.2 kilometers, has been broken into three sections. The first 10-kilometer stretch is currently under construction. The remaining sections — each 10.1 kilometers — have recently been awarded contracts worth N16.77 billion and N17.275 billion respectively.

Taken together, these announcements reflect a broader push by the Federal Government to modernize Nigeria’s aging infrastructure and to do so in a financially sustainable way. With limited public funds available, the shift toward Public-Private Partnerships and EPC+F models appears to be a strategic move. By engaging private entities not just for construction, but also for financing, the government is hoping to fast-track delivery timelines while managing the financial risks.

While the scale of the proposed bridge and road projects is massive, they are considered essential to Nigeria’s future development. If executed successfully, they have the potential to significantly improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, boost commerce, and enhance the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.