Federal Government Grapples with Crisis: Carter Bridge Nears Collapse, N320 Billion Replacement on the Table
Nigeria's Federal Government has sounded a dire warning over the alarming deterioration of the iconic Carter Bridge in Lagos, a crucial arterial link connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. Following a recent on-the-spot assessment, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, unequivocally declared the bridge's condition as "dangerous," necessitating immediate and decisive intervention. The government is now facing a monumental decision: either commit to a N320 billion replacement with a state-of-the-art cable-stayed structure or embark on a colossal N380 billion full-scale repair operation.
Minister Umahi, accompanied by a team of expert engineers, revealed a grim reality that transcends superficial repairs. While Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has diligently completed approximately 80% of above-water repairs on the Carter Bridge since work commenced in 2024, deeper underwater investigations have unearthed profoundly alarming structural deficiencies. These include severe underwater damage, extensive corrosion of piles, and critical detached caps, all of which have significantly compromised the bridge's foundational integrity. This mirrors distressing defects previously identified on the Third Mainland Bridge, which prompted the imposition of truck movement restrictions.
"We have observed many defects on the Carter Bridge. Some of the piers are badly damaged and underwater damage is frightening," Umahi stated with palpable gravity, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He highlighted that these critical issues were not new, having been flagged in prior assessments conducted as far back as 2012 and 2019, indicating a long-standing and escalating problem.
According to Thomas Christl, the Regional Technical Manager for Region West of Julius Berger, their comprehensive investigations strongly suggest that a complete replacement might offer a more beneficial and sustainable long-term solution. "A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it," Christl remarked, emphasizing the potential for a more durable and ultimately cost-effective alternative over the long run, despite the initially higher capital outlay compared to a repair approach.
The Federal Government is currently scrutinizing detailed proposals from Julius Berger for the Carter Bridge and a separate rehabilitation plan from BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge. These critical recommendations will then be submitted to President Bola Tinubu for final approval, marking a pivotal moment for Lagos's infrastructure future.
The alarming state of the Carter Bridge starkly underscores a pervasive challenge of aging infrastructure plaguing Nigeria's most populous and economically vital city. While Lagos is a hotbed of ongoing and ambitious planned infrastructure projects—including the transformative Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the expansive Fourth Mainland Bridge, various new rail lines (Red and Green), and significant airport and urban development initiatives—the unexpected severity of damage to existing critical infrastructure like the Carter Bridge presents an immediate and formidable financial and logistical hurdle for the Federal Government.
The impending decision on whether to undertake a colossal repair or opt for a full replacement of the Carter Bridge will carry profound implications for Lagos's transportation network, its burgeoning economy, and the national budget, forcefully emphasizing the urgent imperative for robust and sustainable maintenance strategies for Nigeria's vital existing infrastructure.
