Tinubu Approves ₦359bn for New Carter Bridge in Lagos, ₦134bn for Kano–Katsina Road Upgrade

In a bold move to bolster Nigeria’s infrastructure, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, has greenlit ₦493 billion for two transformative projects: the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos State at ₦359 billion and the rehabilitation of the 152-kilometre Kano–Katsina Road for ₦134 billion.

‎Minister of Works, David Umahi, addressing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, revealed that the Kano–Katsina Road project, previously divided into two sections, has seen significant cost adjustments due to economic realities.

“Section One, spanning 74.1 kilometres, was awarded in 2013 for ₦14 billion, later revised to ₦24 billion, and now stands at ₦68 billion. Section Two, covering 79.5 kilometres, initially awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion and revised to ₦46 billion, is now pegged at ₦66.115 billion,” Umahi explained.

The combined cost for both sections totals ₦134 billion, with ₦6 billion allocated from the 2024 budget and ₦34 billion from 2025 for Section One, while Section Two will receive ₦80 billion across both years.

‎Turning to Lagos, Umahi disclosed alarming findings from underwater assessments of the Carter Bridge conducted in 2013 and 2019. The evaluations revealed severe damage to the bridge’s substructure, caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion of its piles and piers.

Julius Berger, the contractor tasked with repairs, has declared the bridge beyond salvage, recommending a complete rebuild. “The new Carter Bridge is estimated to cost ₦359 billion, with discussions underway with Deutsche Bank for potential financing,” Umahi noted.

‎Section One, spanning 74.1 kilometres, was awarded in 2013 for ₦14 billion, later revised to ₦24 billion, and now stands at ₦68 billion. Section Two, covering 79.5 kilometres, initially awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion and revised to ₦46 billion, is now pegged at ₦66.115 billion

‎The FEC has approved engaging at least seven specialized contractors under an EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) model to conduct detailed investigations, design, and bidding for both the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridges. Additionally, public-private partnership (PPP) proposals have been endorsed to support these ambitious projects.

‎Beyond these, Umahi highlighted other critical bridge projects approved by the FEC, including the Jalingo Bridge in Taraba, the fire-damaged Ido Bridge, the Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa, the Mokwa Bridge in Niger, a damaged bridge on the Abuja-Kogi route, bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor affected by collisions, the Jebba Bridge in Kwara, and the Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos. “These emergency works will be submitted to Mr. President for approval through the Minister of Finance,” Umahi stated.

‎The approvals signal a robust commitment to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, though questions linger about funding and implementation timelines. As these projects unfold, they are expected to enhance connectivity and economic activity across key regions.

COURTESY: tgnews.com