The Federal Government Greenlights ₦3.8 Trillion Renewal of Third Mainland Bridge

The Federal Government has authorised a sweeping ₦3.8 trillion initiative to restore or rebuild Lagos's Third Mainland Bridge marking an extraordinary leap from last year’s ₦21 billion emergency works.
Through new underwater inspections, the Works Ministry discovered alarming structural deterioration caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion. The bridge's piers and foundational elements have weakened significantly, prompting urgent attention. Minister of Works David Umahi revealed that the rehabilitation plan presents two paths: a full structural overhaul estimated at ₦3.8 trillion or a complete replacement for ₦3.6 trillion.

Both options were approved by the Federal Executive Council for execution through a hybrid Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model under a public–private partnership framework.
To kickstart the project, the government has approved the engagement of seven specialist contractors to manage structural assessments, design, and tendering. Funding mechanisms include public–private collaboration, with negotiations already underway with international financiers such as Deutsche Bank.