FG Awards N545bn Carter Bridge Project to CCECC

The Federal Government of Nigeria has handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos, estimated at N545 billion, to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The event took place in Lagos and was part of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, stated that the decision to reconstruct the bridge became necessary after alarming structural investigations revealed worsening defects beneath the Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge. Investigations into the underwater structural elements of the bridge began in 2013, with assessments carried out in 2019 indicating an increase in defects.

Upon assuming office, the current administration engaged geologists and specialist divers to conduct further investigations, confirming that the pile support of the bridge had already shifted. Extensive consultations with bridge experts and stakeholders, including foreign professionals, were held to determine the best solution.

Experts advised that repairing the existing bridge would cost almost twice as much as constructing a new structure.