The Federal Government has blamed detached piles, heavy corrosion, poor maintenance and illegal sand mining for the failure of Lagos’ Carter Bridge.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, made this known on Monday, August 24, 2026, during an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Carter and Iddo Bridges in Lagos.
Umahi said the 1.58-kilometre Carter Bridge, which is about 60 to 70 years old, had suffered serious structural damage and was now being rebuilt.
He said the government plans to finish the work within 24 months instead of the earlier 36-month timeline. The bridge will remain open and maintained during the project to avoid worsening Lagos’ traffic.
Umahi said an underwater survey found that several piles had detached from their pile caps, while corrosion and sand scouring had weakened the structure.
“Carter Bridge has stayed over 60-70 years, and no maintenance. The lifespan of every bridge is about 50 years.”
“A lot of the piles have detached from the pile caps. It’s like, akin to the leg being removed from the hip. And also, a lot of rust had happened, you know, within the piles.”
“Scouring, and then illegal mining of sand, also contributed to the failure of this Carter Bridge.”
The minister said the government was maintaining both the upper and underwater parts of the bridge. Solar lights have also been installed.
In July 2025, Umahi said the government was considering a N320 billion cable-stayed replacement, compared with the estimated N380 billion cost of full repairs. He said Julius Berger had completed 80% of above-water repairs, while severe underwater damage was found.
Previous inspections in 2012 and 2019 had also raised structural concerns.
The proposed new bridge could last over 100 years and include extra ramps, a cable bridge and improved traffic and navigation arrangements.
The Federal Executive Council approved in August 2025 the review of PPP and EPC+F options for a new Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge. A new Carter Bridge was estimated at N359 billion, while rehabilitation was put at N387 billion.
Umahi said FEC approved selective procurement, with EPC+F and PPP among the options being considered.
The government is continuing the current reconstruction while weighing longer-term solutions for the ageing bridge.
