By DANJUMA AMODU
Works Minister says new bridge designs and faster construction methods will restore Lagos connectivity, as he dismisses critics of President Tinubu’s infrastructure push
Lagos is set for a major turnaround in bridge connectivity as the Federal Government adopts faster construction methods for Eko Bridge and confirms July mobilization for the new Carter Bridge, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said.
This was disclosed in a statement by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works, Media, following Umahi’s inspection of federal projects in Lagos on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Speaking during the inspection, Umahi said the ministry was rebuilding Eko Bridge with T-beams instead of concrete beams to cut construction time, while the new Carter Bridge would introduce higher spans and modern rope-bridge architecture.
“Talk is very cheap. Governing Nigeria requires courage, resilience and uncommon leadership. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the capacity to face challenges and deliver solutions.”
— Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works
EKO BRIDGE: FROM FIRE DAMAGE TO T-BEAM REBUILD
The minister began the inspection at Eko Bridge, which suffered severe damage from a fire caused by trading activities underneath and repeated truck collisions due to low headroom.
To accelerate recovery without compromising safety, the ministry switched to T-beams. Umahi said he would monitor every stage to ensure compliance with designs and method statements.
“We excavated to gain additional height, with a minimum headroom of 5.6m for trucks, which is the standard,” he said. All future bridge projects will now use a 6.5m clearance for larger vehicles and durability.
Umahi projected Eko Bridge would be fully completed before the end of 2026. Underwater repairs and bearing replacements are valued at about ₦18 billion, while emergency interventions to stabilize affected sections will cost an estimated ₦12 billion. The funding request has been sent through the PPP window, and the minister said he would meet President Tinubu next week for intervention funds.
He also condemned abandoned trucks parked on bridges and illegal occupation of spaces underneath, directing the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to set up a task force. Illegal sand dredging, he added, worsened damage to Eko Bridge.
NEW CARTER BRIDGE: HIGHER, WIDER, READY FOR JULY
For the new Carter Bridge, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, has mobilized ahead of the 30% statutory payment. Umahi commended the contractor’s capacity and commitment.
Advanced Engineering Consultant, AEC, optimized the alignment after consultations with the ministry and stakeholders, cutting encumbrances by over 80%, including issues around the Oba of Lagos’ Palace.
The new design features two 105-metre navigation spans, compared to 75 metres on the old bridge, a 12-metre height for current and future needs, and a rope-bridge feature.
“Construction activities will begin on Monday, and with the president’s backing, full mobilization will commence within this month,” Umahi said. CCECC’s project manager, Dang Yinan, confirmed site access would start next Monday.
WIDER INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH
Umahi also highlighted Tinubu’s approvals for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Road Project, the 125km Agwanga-Jos corridor, the award of Gombe-Biu Road, and ongoing design work on Gombe-Bauchi Road.
Responding to critics, he dismissed claims of superior qualification for the presidency, citing Tinubu’s record in Lagos, including managing the Atlantic shoreline, as proof of leadership.
“Life did not promise us there would be no challenges. The important thing is to have the courage to face them, and that is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing,” Umahi said.
Earlier, AEC Director Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo said the revised bridge design minimizes disruption to communities while providing a sustainable long-term solution.
