Umahi Defends Tinubu's Record as Lagos Bridge Projects Take Off.

Works Minister inspects Eko Bridge rehabilitation, announces new Carter Bridge construction to begin this month.

The Federal Government is pushing ahead with major infrastructure rehabilitation in Lagos State, with work on Eko Bridge progressing and construction of a new Carter Bridge set to begin within weeks, Works Minister David Umahi announced during an inspection tour on Thursday.

Umahi, who toured ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos, said the rehabilitation of Eko Bridge is on track for completion by year's end, while contractors for the new Carter Bridge have already mobilized to site even before receiving their upfront payment.

Eko Bridge: Structural Fixes and Safety Upgrades.

At Eko Bridge, the minister explained that engineers are taking a different approach to speed up reconstruction. Instead of using traditional concrete beams, they've switched to T-beams to save time without cutting corners on quality.

"At every stage of that construction, I must be informed to ensure that the engineering design is followed," Umahi said, emphasizing that strict monitoring would continue throughout the project.

The bridge, which has suffered from years of damage caused by traders operating underneath and heavy duty trucks repeatedly crashing into its low clearance, is now getting major fixes. Workers are excavating the ground beneath the bridge to create more headroom for trucks, targeting a minimum clearance of 5.6 meters. Going forward, Umahi said all new bridges would be designed with a 6.5-meter clearance to prevent similar problems.

The minister didn't hold back his frustration with the abuse of public infrastructure.

"We've seen that it takes madness to cure this level of madness under our bridges," he said, ordering the Lagos Federal Controller of Works to set up a task force to stop people from parking abandoned trucks on bridges and illegally occupying spaces beneath them.

Illegal sand dredging has also taken a toll on Eko Bridge's structural integrity. Umahi revealed that the government is seeking about ₦12 billion for emergency intervention, while ongoing underwater repairs and bearing replacements are valued at approximately ₦18 billion.

"The immediate intervention is going to cost about 12 billion naira. We've sent it to PPP, and by next week I'll be going to see Mr. President for intervention funds to restore that bridge," he said.

New Carter Bridge: Modern Design, Early Mobilization.

The minister praised CCECC, the Chinese construction firm handling the new Carter Bridge, for showing commitment by mobilizing to site even before receiving mobilization funds.

"I'm very impressed with what CCECC is doing. We have not even paid the mobilization fee. But my regime is such that when you're given a contract, you have to demonstrate capacity and willingness to partner with the Federal Government," Umahi said.

The new bridge will feature modern engineering, including two 105-meter spans to aid navigation and a "rope bridge" design element. The project team worked extensively with stakeholders, including the Oba of Lagos' Palace, to resolve more than 80% of alignment issues that threatened the original design.

Umahi announced that mobilization would begin within the month, with actual construction starting Monday.

"It's also going to have a rope bridge, a very fantastic rope bridge, because we must develop forward and not backward," he said.

Umahi Fires Back at Critics

The minister used the occasion to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's record on infrastructure and leadership, dismissing political opponents who claim to be more qualified for the presidency.

"I laughed in vernacular when somebody who says he is a presidential aspirant claims he is the most qualified," Umahi said.

"Even when you were governor of a state and President Bola Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, can you compare notes? This is a man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean as a young governor of Lagos State."

He added: "Talk is very cheap."

Umahi highlighted recent presidential approvals, including funding for the Agwanga-Jos corridor and the awarding of the Gombe-Biu Road, as evidence of the administration's commitment to infrastructure across all regions.

"There are challenges, but when God is with you, you'll be seeing solutions," he said. "Life did not promise us there would be no challenges. The important thing is to have the courage to face those challenges, and that is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing."

Consultant Explains Design Improvements

Earlier, Advanced Engineering Consultant Director Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo explained that the new Carter Bridge design had been optimized following consultations with the minister and stakeholders. The revised alignment minimizes disruption to communities while providing a more sustainable long-term solution.

"The new bridge will be 12m high. It takes care of both today's demand and future demand," Alatinwo said.

CCECC Project Manager Dang Yinan assured the government of the company's readiness, saying: "Next week Monday, we will start accessing the site. Thank you. We will try our best."