Minister Of Work, Dave Umahi Hands Over New Carter Bridge Project to CCECC, Orders Emergency Closure of Eko Bridge Carriageway
*Lagos* — The Federal Government has formally handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), as part of efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure public safety.
The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Carter Bridge on Lagos Island.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the decision to rebuild the bridge followed years of structural investigations that revealed worsening defects beneath both Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.
According to Umahi, underwater assessments conducted in 2013 and 2019 showed that structural deterioration was progressing at what experts described as “geometrical progression.” Further investigations by geologists and specialist divers after the current administration took office confirmed that some bridge piles had shifted from their pile caps.
“It’s just like the hip of the leg is cut off,” Umahi said, describing the extent of the damage.
The minister explained that technical evaluations determined repairing the existing Carter Bridge would cost nearly twice the amount required to construct a new one. Consequently, the Federal Government approved a complete reconstruction featuring a modern cable-stayed section to enhance navigation and improve the bridge’s aesthetic appeal.
“A section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge, like those we see overseas. That is to enhance our navigational activities,” he said.
The 36-month project is valued at N545 billion and will be financed through 30 percent Federal Government counterpart funding and 70 percent external borrowing. Umahi said CCECC was selected after a competitive bidding process involving seven firms, with the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council endorsing its technical and commercial viability.
The minister directed CCECC to mobilise immediately and assured that the ministry would monitor the project monthly to enforce technical and safety standards.
*Eko Bridge Emergency Closure Announced*
In a related development, Umahi announced the emergency closure of one carriageway of the Eko Bridge from midnight Sunday, May 10, 2026, following severe structural damage caused by illegal sand mining activities.
He said illegal dredgers struck a pile cap with a barge, breaking five supporting piles and causing cracks that have compromised the bridge’s stability.
“We will not allow people to endanger their lives. We are a responsible administration,” Umahi stated.
To address the issue, the government has designed an emergency solution involving the lifting of a bridge span to access and repair the damaged sections. Buildwell Construction, which has prior experience with similar operations on the Eko Bridge, will carry out the repairs, while specialist divers will conduct underwater investigations.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu had been briefed and directed that the matter be treated as an emergency. He appealed to Lagosians for patience, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and preserving national infrastructure.
“We are solving problems we didn’t create, but that’s why you voted for us, and that we are going to be working day and night,” Umahi added.
The statement was issued by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works on Media.
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