The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has expressed deep concern over the dilapidated condition of the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos following a recent inspection. Describing the bridge's state as "dangerous" and in need of "urgent attention," Umahi highlighted "several engineering issues" that have been flagged, emphasizing its critical role as a major link between Lagos Island and the Mainland.

During the on-the-spot assessment, accompanied by engineers from his ministry, findings revealed severe structural compromises. While Julius Berger, the construction firm, has completed 80% of the above-water repairs on the bridge, further investigations have uncovered significant "severe underwater damage," including "corroded piles and detached caps."

The Regional Technical Manager, Region West of Julius Berger, Thomas Christl, acknowledged the extensive nature of the underwater damage, stating that the company began work on the Carter Bridge in 2024, focusing primarily on handrails and pile caps above water. He noted that their current contract does not cover the full scope of restoration required.

In response to the bridge's critical condition, the Federal Government is actively weighing two primary options for its comprehensive rehabilitation. One proposal under review is the complete replacement of the existing structure with a new N320 billion cable-stayed bridge. The second option involves undertaking full-scale repairs of the current bridge, estimated to cost a higher N380 billion. Minister Umahi pointed out that a new bridge could ultimately prove to be less expensive than the proposed extensive rehabilitation.

The Minister commended Julius Berger for its renewed sense of cooperation under its new leadership, describing the company as a "born-again Berger." He cited a breakthrough in negotiations where Julius Berger's quote for a project, initially around N27 billion, was successfully reduced to approximately N17 billion, attributing this success to the understanding and openness of the company's new managing director.

The government is currently reviewing proposals from two companies for ongoing bridge rehabilitation projects in Lagos: BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge and Julius Berger for the Carter Bridge. These recommendations will be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for final approval once assessments are complete.

Concerns similar to those now being addressed were also flagged in past assessments conducted in 2012 and 2019, underscoring the long-standing nature of the bridge's structural issues. The collaborative approach demonstrated by Julius Berger's new management in handling project-related issues has been instrumental in strengthening the Ministry’s relationship with the construction firm, for aligning all stakeholders on such vital infrastructure projects.