The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has confirmed that the newly installed CCTV surveillance system on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is fully operational, as part of broader federal efforts to secure and maintain public infrastructure.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday during his inspection of major South-West projects, Umahi affirmed the system is already operational.

“Yes, I think we can commission that,” he said in response to an inquiry about the CCTV installation on the bridge.

The security system forms part of a larger infrastructure improvement programme that includes solar-powered street lights, road sensors, and emergency response tools aimed at improving traffic monitoring, enhancing road safety, and preventing criminal activity.

However, Umahi expressed frustration over reports of ongoing vandalism along the bridge and surrounding infrastructure — particularly at the Iyana Oworo end — where safety reflectors, also known as “cat eyes,” have been reportedly pulled out by unknown individuals.

He condemned the theft of rods from bridge parapets and concrete structures, as well as the destruction of installed safety features meant to provide visual and psychological relief to motorists.

Umahi urged citizens to view public infrastructure as shared property and to take ownership by reporting or discouraging acts of vandalism, noting that the effectiveness of any modern system — including surveillance — relies on collective responsibility.

“The minister cannot be everywhere. The job of public infrastructure is the duty of everyone. So you have to condemn strongly, the people harvesting rods on bridge parapets, people harvesting rods on concrete infrastructure, pulling the very beautiful cat eyes we did.”

The CCTV system on the Third Mainland Bridge is part of the government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), which integrates smart monitoring systems, rapid emergency response, and long-term maintenance mechanisms across key federal road assets.

As one of the longest bridges in Africa and a crucial transport corridor in Lagos, the Third Mainland Bridge has received significant attention in recent years for both structural rehabilitation and now, enhanced security infrastructure.

Melissa Enoch

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