By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
The FEDERAL Government has inaugurated a N40 billion closed-circuit television control centre for the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
Minister of Works, David Umahi said the project followed extensive rehabilitation works on the bridge after the administration took office in 2023, adding that the CCTV system, first announced in 2025, was designed to curb dangerous driving, prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen security.
Security personnel will monitor live footage from the control centre and enforce speed limits on the bridge, Umahi said.
“When we came on board in 2023, we met a very terrible Third Mainland Bridge,” he added, noting that the structure, along with Carter and Iddo bridges, required comprehensive re-evaluation and repairs both above and below water level.
He also said the total rehabilitation, including the replacement of expansion joints, was approved by President Bola Tinubu, also stating that the completed work had improved driving conditions and extended the bridge’s lifespan.
The contract also includes a surveillance boat and two Hilux vans, which will be handed over to the police to support monitoring and rapid response.
“The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge,” Umahi said, expressing concern over excessive speeding and urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations.
Also, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, said the facility is the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria as he explained that the system allows real-time monitoring of activities on the bridge and surrounding waters.
Dare added that the project includes 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300 kVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple monitoring screens, and full air conditioning for the control centre.
He also revealed that the contract also covers 1,268 solar-powered streetlights and a borehole facility.
According to Dare, the project was awarded for N40.17 billion, with approximately N36 billion paid to the contractor so far.
He noted that the current inauguration marked the first phase, with additional commissioning planned once work on the bridge’s extension is completed.
