FGN allocates N6.28 billion for Third Mainland Bridge repairs
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has approved N6.28 billion for surface maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, announced the decision after this week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa. The 24-month repair project will cover 11 kilometres, including interchanges, ramps, and critical links.
Fashola said the move aligns with Executive Order 11, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2022, which gave legal backing to the country’s national maintenance policy.
The announcement comes just two weeks after the Lagos State Government announced its plans to undertake rehabilitation works on the 32-year-old bridge to repair failed and peeled asphaltic sections and substructure. However, Fashola argued that there would be no duplication of efforts.
According to Fashola, the Lagos State Public Works Corporation will focus on the functional structure of the bridge, such as the underwater piles, while the Federal Government will undertake surface maintenance to treat potholes and restore missing guard rails.
“Council approved a fresh contract for the maintenance of the pavement of the Third Mainland Bridge, and this was approved in the sum of N6.28 billion for a period of 24 months,” said Fashola.
“The works are concentrating largely on the substructure of the bridge; the underwater piles, the pile caps, and also the replacement of the expansion joints and the bearings. These are maintenance works that are critical to the structural integrity of the bridge. What we’re dealing with now is different. It is the driving surface and also the aesthetics. Some of the rails have been stolen. Some of the plates are misaligned at the routes that lead you on and off the bridge.”
Fashola also confirmed that there are no anticipated prolonged closures during the works.
In addition, the council approved an N17.5 billion variation for the contract for the construction of the old Enugu-Onitsha road, bringing the total contract sum to N48.99 billion.
