The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has said that the Federal Government is committed to restoring critical infrastructure in Lagos State, while applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and vision in driving transformative projects across the country.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Minister disclosed that work on the rehabilitation of Eko Bridge is progressing steadily, while mobilization for the construction of the new Carter Bridge is expected to commence this month.
Umahi, who began the day’s inspection at Eko Bridge, recalled that the bridge suffered significant damage due to a series of avoidable incidents, including a fire caused by trading activities beneath the structure and repeated collisions by heavy-duty trucks because of inadequate headroom clearance.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Works has adopted engineering solutions aimed at accelerating the reconstruction process without compromising quality and safety.
“Today, we saw the rebuilding process and, to save time, we decided instead of using concrete beams, we would use T-beams,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that every stage of the project would be closely monitored to ensure strict compliance with engineering designs and construction standards.
“At every stage of that construction, I must be informed to ensure that the engineering design is followed and that the method statement given to the contractor is also followed.” he said.
Umahi expressed confidence that the bridge would be fully completed before the end of the year.
“I believe strongly that by the end of the year, we should be able to completely finish Eko Bridge,” he added.
The Minister explained that ongoing works beneath the bridge include reinforced concrete pavement construction and excavation aimed at increasing the headroom for trucks.
“We had to dig the ground to gain additional height, having a minimum headroom of 5.6m for trucks. The standard engineering design for headroom is 5.6m,” he explained.
He further revealed that all future bridge projects under the Ministry would adopt a higher clearance standard of 6.5m to accommodate larger vehicles and enhance durability.
During the inspection, Umahi expressed concern over abandoned trucks parked on bridges and the continued illegal occupation of spaces beneath bridge structures.
“We’ve seen that it takes madness to cure this level of madness under our bridges,” he remarked, directing the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to establish a task force to prevent further abuse of public infrastructure.
The Minister also disclosed that illegal sand dredging had contributed significantly to structural damage on Eko Bridge, necessitating urgent intervention.
He revealed that the Federal Government is pursuing both immediate and long-term solutions to stabilize and rehabilitate affected sections of the bridge.
The emergency intervention, estimated at about ₦12 billion, has already been forwarded through the appropriate channels for funding approval.
“The immediate intervention is going to cost about 12 billion naira. We’ve sent it to PPP, and by next week I’ll be going to see Mr. President for intervention funds to restore that bridge,” he said.
In addition, ongoing underwater repairs and replacement of critical bridge components are valued at approximately ₦18 billion. “…some of the bearings and underwater works in that Eko Bridge which is about 18b. It’s an ongoing contract, and so we needed to intervene immediately so that that Eko Bridge will not collapse.”
Turning to the new Carter Bridge project, the Minister commended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for demonstrating commitment by mobilizing to site even before receiving mobilization funds.
“I’m very impressed with what CCECC is doing. We have not even paid the mobilization fee. But my regime is such that when you’re given a contract, you have to demonstrate capacity and willingness to partner with the Federal Government.”
He described the contractor’s level of engagement as encouraging and disclosed that the Ministry would proceed with processing the statutory 30 percent mobilization payment.
The Minister also praised Advanced Engineering Consultant (AEC), the project’s consultant, for working closely with the Ministry to resolve complex engineering and stakeholder concerns surrounding the bridge alignment.
“I want young people in this country to come and learn with this team. They are very wonderful, very knowledgeable, committed, serious, and focused,” Umahi said.
He explained that through technical reviews and stakeholder consultations, the project team successfully eliminated more than 80 percent of the encumbrances that threatened the original design, including issues affecting the Oba of Lagos’ Palace and other sensitive locations.
According to the Minister, the new Carter Bridge will introduce modern engineering features that is of international standards.
“Don’t forget that in this design, we are bringing in modern road and bridge architecture. We’re going to have two spans of one hundred and five meters each to aid navigation along this corridor.”
“It’s also going to have a rope bridge, a very fantastic rope bridge, because we must develop forward and not backward.”
Umahi announced that construction activities of the new bridge will begin on Monday, with mobilization expected within the month.
“I can tell you, with the confidence of my boss, Mr. President, that within this month we will be able to commence full mobilization,” he stated.
The Minister used the occasion to highlight President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued commitment to infrastructure development across all regions of the country.
He disclosed that the President had just approved the release of funds for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Road Project, the 125-kilometre Agwanga-Jos corridor being handled by CGC.
“Just yesterday, the President directed the immediate release of funds for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Project, which is Agwanga-Jos, 125km.”
He also revealed that the Gombe-Biu Road has been awarded while the design of the Gombe-Bauchi Road is currently underway.
The Minister dismissed critics and political opponents who claim to possess superior qualifications for office of the President.
“I laughed in vernacular when somebody who says he is a presidential aspirant claims he is the most qualified.”
“Even when you were governor of a state and President Bola Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, can you compare notes?”
“This is a man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean as a young governor of Lagos State.”
“There are so many things President Bola Tinubu did to prove that he is a born leader.”
“Talk is very cheap.”
The Minister noted that governing Nigeria requires courage, resilience and uncommon leadership capacity, qualities he said President Tinubu continues to show despite challenges.
“There are challenges, but when God is with you, you’ll be seeing solutions.”
“Life did not promise us there would be no challenges. The important thing is to have the courage to face those challenges, and that is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing.”
Earlier, the Director of Advanced Engineering Consultant, Mr. Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo, explained that the bridge design had been significantly optimized following consultations with the Honourable Minister and stakeholders.
He stated that the revised alignment minimizes disruptions to surrounding communities while providing a more sustainable long-term solution.
According to him, the new Carter Bridge will feature a central navigation span of approximately 105 metres on each side, compared to the existing 75 metres, thereby enhancing water transportation and commercial activities along the corridor.
“The new bridge will be 12m high. It takes care of both today’s demand and future demand,” he said.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dang Yinan, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to commence work.
“Today, following Your Excellency’s directive and our mobilization plan, we make this report. Next week Monday, we will start accessing the site. Thank you. We will try our best.”
Francis Nwaze , FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works, Media.
June 18, 2026