Following the deplorable condition of the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos, the Federal Government is currently weighing options for its rehabilitation, as several engineering concerns have been flagged.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this after an on-the-spot assessment visit to the bridge in Lagos, accompanied by engineers from his ministry.

The bridge serves as a major link between Lagos Island and the Mainland.

The minister, who expressed concern over the state of the carriageway, described the bridge’s condition as dangerous and in need of urgent attention.

According to him, the Federal Government is reviewing a proposal to either replace the bridge with a cable-stayed structure estimated to cost N320 billion, which is considered more durable and cost-effective, or carry out full-scale repairs at an estimated cost of N380 billion.

Umahi stated that Julius Berger had completed 80 per cent of the above-water repairs, but investigations revealed severe underwater damage, including corroded piles and detached caps, which have over time compromised the bridge’s structural integrity—similar to issues that led to the restriction of truck movements on the Third Mainland Bridge.

He further disclosed that only two companies have submitted proposals for the ongoing bridge rehabilitation projects in Lagos: BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge and Julius Berger for the Carter Bridge.

The minister added that the government is currently reviewing both proposals and will forward its recommendations to the President for final approval.

He noted that the ministry is specifically reviewing Julius Berger’s proposal and will submit its recommendations to President Bola Tinubu once the assessments are complete.

Highlighting that similar concerns were flagged in past assessments conducted in 2012 and 2019, the minister said a new bridge could last over 100 years and still cost less than the proposed rehabilitation.

According to him, the collaborative approach adopted by the new management of Julius Berger in managing project-related issues is commendable and has been instrumental in strengthening the Ministry’s relationship with the construction firm.

“The collaborative approach of Julius Berger’s new management is commendable, and it is important for all stakeholders to be aligned on any project. This is kudos to the managing director, who has proven to be a humble professional, eager to build fresh relationships with fellow stakeholders,” Umahi said.

Commending Julius Berger for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership, the minister added, “Julius Berger quoted for the project, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

Umahi described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

Acknowledging that the extent of underwater damage to Carter Bridge is significant, the Regional Technical Manager, Region West of the company, Thomas Christl, said the company began work on the Carter Bridge in 2024.

Focusing on handrails and pile caps above water. The current contract, he added, does not cover the full scope of restoration needed.

“After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better. A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it,” Christl added.