Nigeria Approves Demolition, Reconstruction of Historic Carter Bridge
Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves the demolition and full reconstruction of Lagos’ historic Carter Bridge, one of the busiest links connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.
The decision follows Wednesday’s cabinet meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Minister of Works David Umahi announces that the government has also approved ₦5.6 billion to hire advanced engineering consultants to produce detailed designs and cost estimates for the new bridge.
“Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated; it should be demolished and replaced with a new structure,” Umahi says.
The bridge carries thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles daily, making it a critical transport artery in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Officials say engineering assessments indicate the existing structure has reached the end of its serviceable life.
Originally built in 1901 during the colonial era, Carter Bridge has undergone several upgrades, including a major reconstruction in the late 1970s that produced the current concrete structure.
Umahi says the bridge replacement forms part of a wider national infrastructure programme approved by the Federal Executive Council.
“These are not palliative works; they are major infrastructure projects,” he adds.
The minister explains that the government plans to commission at least four major infrastructure projects in each geopolitical zone by 15 May.
Transport experts say replacing the bridge could significantly improve traffic flow in Lagos, where congestion remains a persistent challenge.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 