In a bid to modernize Lagos’ key transport arteries, the Federal Government on Sunday commissioned a N40 billion CCTV centre on the Third Mainland Bridge. The centre, constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), complements recent rehabilitation works on the bridge, enhancing both safety and infrastructure monitoring.
The commissioning was led by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who said the current administration inherited “a very terrible” condition of the Third Mainland, Carter and Iddo bridges, both above and below water.
“When we assumed office in 2023, the infrastructure of these bridges was in a deplorable state. The President directed a full rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge, including resurfacing and replacement of expansion joints.
“Lagosians are already appreciating the quality of the work completed”, Umahi said.
As part of the project, the Ministry will hand over a surveillance boat and two Hilux vans to the police for ongoing monitoring of the bridge. Umahi noted that other security agencies could also be integrated if necessary, and urged motorists to comply with traffic rules to prevent accidents.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the centre as “the first of its kind in Nigeria”, emphasizing that it provides comprehensive surveillance of both the bridge and the waters below.
“The facility is equipped with monitoring screens, 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300KVA transformer, a standby generator, and full air-conditioning. We also have a boat and two Hilux vans dedicated to patrolling the bridge,” Dare said.
He added that the project includes 1,268 solar-powered streetlights along the bridge and a borehole as part of the upgrade. According to Dare, the Federal Government has paid N36 billion to the contractor so far, with the remaining balance pending.
Dare also explained that Sunday’s inauguration marks the first phase of commissioning, with a full handover planned once the bridge extension is completed. Umahi commended CCECC for the quality of the work and thanked President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the project, noting that the CCTV centre will significantly improve security and monitoring on Lagos’ busiest bridge.
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