The Federal Executive Council has approved the demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure across the country.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the FEC meeting held at the State House in Abuja and presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi explained that the decision followed technical assessments which showed that the bridge can no longer be rehabilitated.
According to him, the council also approved the sum of N5.6 billion for advanced engineering consultancy services to handle the design and cost estimation for the reconstruction project.
He said, “After extensive stakeholders’ engagements and technical evaluations, it was recommended that Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated.
The best option is to demolish the existing structure and construct a new one.”
The minister noted that the reconstruction of the bridge forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving transportation networks nationwide.
Umahi further revealed that the council approved six major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction and upgrading of highways in different geopolitical zones.
He added that the Federal Government plans to present completed projects across the six geopolitical zones for presidential commissioning in the coming months.
“Our target is to present at least four completed projects in each geopolitical zone for commissioning by May 15. These are not temporary interventions but major infrastructure projects,” he said.
The Carter Bridge is one of the key transport links connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, serving thousands of commuters daily and playing a vital role in easing traffic movement in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
