Why the Federal Government Plans to Demolish and Rebuild Carter Bridge
The Federal Government has revealed plans to demolish and completely rebuild the iconic Carter Bridge, one of the major links between mainland Lagos and Lagos Island. The decision is part of a broader effort to upgrade ageing infrastructure and ensure the bridge can safely handle the growing traffic demands of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
According to Umahi, the government believes the current structure of Carter Bridge—first constructed in 1901—has reached a stage where a full reconstruction is necessary to meet modern engineering standards. Rather than continue periodic repairs, officials say rebuilding the bridge from the ground up will provide a more durable and safer transport corridor for Lagos residents.
To begin the process, the Federal Executive Council approved the engagement of advanced engineering consultants who will carry out detailed structural assessments, design plans and cost estimates for the project. The Federal Government has set aside N5.6 billion for this consultancy phase, which will determine the technical approach for demolishing the old bridge and constructing a new, modern one.
Officials say the planned reconstruction is driven largely by the increasing pressure on Lagos transport infrastructure. Carter Bridge is one of the busiest entry points into Lagos Island, linking the mainland through Iddo and serving thousands of commuters daily alongside the Third Mainland Bridge and the Eko Bridge.
The government argues that a new bridge will not only improve safety but also provide greater capacity to accommodate Lagos’ rapidly expanding population and economic activity. By replacing the ageing structure with a modern design, authorities hope to strengthen one of the city’s most critical transport routes.
The reconstruction also forms part of the Federal Government’s wider infrastructure renewal strategy aimed at upgrading key transport corridors across Nigeria, particularly in major economic centres like Lagos.
Further details on the project timeline, demolition schedule and traffic management plans are expected after the appointed consultants complete the preliminary design and feasibility studies.
