FG Declares Carter Bridge ‘Irredeemable,’ Plans New Construction

The Federal Government has announced that the Carter Bridge in Lagos is in a critical state and beyond repair, labeling it “irredeemable” following a detailed inspection. 

The statement was made by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, during an assessment of the bridge’s underdeck on Wednesday, September 1, 2025.

Umahi revealed that the inspection aimed to determine if the bridge’s ramps could be salvaged to reduce the cost and time of reconstruction. 

“We could not make that decision today. We need input from consultants and Julius Berger, and we have instruments to verify their observations,” he said. 

“If their findings confirm the severity, both the ramp and the main axial section of the Carter Bridge will need to be replaced.”

The minister noted that the previous Carter Bridge was demolished using explosives, with remnants still in the water, posing challenges for navigational activities that must be considered in any new construction. 

Umahi emphasized that the government is exploring whether any parts of the current structure can be temporarily repaired while a new alignment for the bridge is developed. 

“Since stakeholders seem to agree on the need for a new Carter Bridge, we are evaluating if anything can be salvaged for interim use while we pursue a new design,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about other infrastructure, Umahi clarified that the Federal Government has no plans to demolish the Third Mainland Bridge. 

“We are not entertaining the idea of a new Third Mainland Bridge. Our focus is on rehabilitating and maintaining the existing structure,” he assured.

Further assessments by consultants and contractors will guide the next steps for the Carter Bridge’s replacement, with navigational and economic impacts at the forefront of planning.