The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed that the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State cost N43 billion, while the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) control centre installed on the bridge was built at a cost of about N2.5 billion.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the minister explained that the rehabilitation works covered the complete overhaul of a 14-kilometre stretch of the bridge, measuring 14 metres in width and consisting of two carriageways.

He noted that the construction of the CCTV control centre was an integral component of the overall rehabilitation contract for the bridge.

According to Umahi, the project also involved the reconstruction and repainting of sections of concrete structures, replacement of expansion joints, and installation of solar-powered lighting across the bridge.

“The total contract value for the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge stands at N43 billion,” the minister said, adding that the CCTV control centre was completed at a cost not exceeding N2.5 billion.

Umahi further recalled that when the current administration assumed office in 2023, the condition of the Third Mainland Bridge, as well as Carter Bridge and Iddo Bridge, was extremely poor, affecting the road surface, above-water infrastructure, and even underwater components.

He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu subsequently ordered a full reassessment and comprehensive rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge, including the replacement of its expansion joints.

Also addressing the media, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr Olufemi Dare, described the CCTV control centre as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Dare disclosed that the facility is supported by extensive surveillance and power infrastructure, including a patrol boat for monitoring activities on and around the bridge, two Hilux vans, 240 solar panels, full air-conditioning, 10 inverters, a 300 KVA transformer, a standby power generator, and multiple monitoring screens.