Nigeria infrastructure: Emergency repairs ordered for Niger and Carter bridges

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered emergency interventions for critical infrastructure following reports of severe structural damage. On the old River Niger Bridge, vandals reportedly stole heavy structural bolts, leaving empty holes that threaten the link between the South-West and South-East regions.

In Lagos, the 1.58-kilometre Carter Bridge is undergoing reconstruction due to significant structural failure. The deterioration is attributed to detached piles, extensive corrosion, years of inadequate maintenance, and illegal sand mining. The Federal Government aims to complete the reconstruction within 24 months, a reduction from the original 36-month estimate. To mitigate traffic congestion in Lagos, authorities plan to maintain access to the bridge during the construction process.