The Federal Government has clarified that it has not yet awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, despite media reports referencing a N3.6 trillion cost estimate.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the statement on Saturday during a courtesy visit from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Umahi addressed what he called "defects" on both the 3rd Mainland and Carter bridges in Lagos, noting that he has been in discussions with experts on how to address the long-standing issues.
He presented cost estimates prepared by Julius Berger, explaining they were meant for the Federal Executive Council (FEC)'s review and not for the immediate award of a contract.
According to Umahi, the findings indicate that a complete rehabilitation of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which is over 50 years old, could cost N3.86 trillion, while building a new one would be slightly less at approximately N3.6 trillion.
Similarly, the Carter Bridge could be rehabilitated for N386 billion, but a brand new bridge would cost around N359 billion.
"Therefore, no contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.
"Any information aside from this is not correct," Umahi said, adding that the government believes exposing these findings to more industry experts might yield better solutions and costs.
The minister stated that the FEC has approved a plan to advertise for bids from bridge construction experts to conduct comprehensive investigations, designs, and provide new costings.
The government is also opening the projects to a public-private partnership (PPP) model, where the private sector could build the bridges, toll them, and recover their investment.
Umahi also announced that the federal government has closed the 3rd Mainland Bridge to heavy trucks and plans to do the same for the Carter Bridge by September.
The only bridge currently open for heavy-duty vehicles between Lagos Island and the Mainland is the Independence Bridge.
The 3rd Mainland Bridge was commissioned in 1990, the Carter Bridge was built in 1901, and the Eko Bridge was constructed between 1965 and 1975.
