The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced on Saturday that a budget of N341 billion has been proposed to address the repair needs of bridges in Nigeria for the year 2025. This revelation came during a briefing with members of the National Assembly concerning the status of critical infrastructure, particularly the repairs of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges in Lagos.
During the briefing, Umahi emphasized the urgent need for investment in the nation’s bridges, stating, “If you want to call for a conference on our bridges, we are willing to answer you. We have proposed that 341 billion will be needed in 2025 to attend to our bridges.” He acknowledged the complexity and potentially high costs associated with the repair and rebuilding of these vital structures, noting that “even 30 trillion will not be enough” if a complete rebuild of the Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge is required.
Umahi highlighted the ongoing work on the bridges, mentioning the contractors involved, “Berger is doing very beautiful work until they encounter this situation.” He assured the National Assembly that efforts are underway to address the challenges faced by the contractors and that international consultations are being sought to find effective solutions. “We are also contacting internationally to see what the solution will be,” he added.
The Minister characterized the current state of the bridges as an emergency, urging the National Assembly to prioritize infrastructure issues. “It’s important that the National Assembly address their minds that we have problems,” Umahi stated, reinforcing the notion that while problems can be addressed, they should not be overlooked.
In addition to bridge repairs, Umahi announced that construction on sections three and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road is set to commence by mid-December. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure in the southwest region of Nigeria.
Umahi disclosed these developments during an inspection tour of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, where he led members of the National Assembly on an on-site assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects. He explained that delays in the highway’s construction were primarily due to rerouting efforts necessary to avoid areas controlled by militants.
