FEC Approves Review of PPP, EPC+F Models for Lagos’ Carter and Third Mainland Bridges
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Ministry of Works’ proposal to adopt Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Engineering, Procurement, Construction plus Financing (EPC+F) models in addressing the structural challenges of Lagos’ Carter and Third Mainland Bridges.
Minister of Works David Umahi announced the decision after the FEC meeting, stating that both PPP and EPC+F options are under consideration for either full reconstruction or rehabilitation of the two bridges.
Government assessments concluded that Carter Bridge is beyond repair, with reconstruction estimated at ₦359 billion compared to a ₦387 billion rehabilitation cost, which officials deemed infeasible. Similarly, the Third Mainland Bridge faces critical underwater pile deterioration. New construction has been priced at ₦3.6 trillion, while rehabilitation would cost about ₦3.8 trillion.
“The FEC has approved both Engineering, Procurement, Construction plus Financing and Public-Private Partnership options to allow specialist contractors and the private sector to undertake either full reconstruction or full rehabilitation,” Umahi explained.
Structural Concerns
According to the Minister, the two bridges face significant risks due to their underwater foundations, which were originally installed using skin friction in the absence of solid rock. Studies conducted in 2013 and 2019 highlighted deterioration from rust, sand loss, and illegal mining activities. These findings prompted the federal government to explore large-scale interventions.
Broader Infrastructure Approvals
Beyond Lagos, the FEC also approved interventions in several bridge and road projects across the country. These include:
Reconstruction of Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State.
Removal and rebuilding of the three-span section of Iddo Bridge, which was destroyed by fire.
Rehabilitation of the Keffi Flyover and Mokwa Bridge in Niger State.
Deck reinforcement works on the Abuja–Keffi corridor.
Interventions on the Lagos–Ibadan bridges and the Jebba Bridge are damaged by heavy vehicle traffic.
On road infrastructure, revisions were approved for the 152km Kano–Katsina Road, with section one (74.1km) now estimated at ₦68 billion and section two (79.5km) at ₦96.115 billion. A total of ₦120 billion has been earmarked across the 2024–2025 budget cycle. Additionally, the Iyin–Ilawe Road in Ekiti State was awarded ₦16.77 billion and ₦17.275 billion for its second and third phases, respectively.
What Comes Next
The decision to pursue both PPP and EPC+F options signals government’s intention to leverage private sector expertise and financing capacity in tackling large-scale infrastructure projects. For Lagos, the outcomes of these efforts will be decisive in determining the future of two of its most critical transport arteries, with implications for mobility, commerce, and long-term urban resilience.
