The Federal Government has commissioned a ₦40 billion closed-circuit television (CCTV) control centre for the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to enhance security and road safety. At the inauguration on Sunday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the project was part of the extensive rehabilitation of the bridge carried out after the current administration assumed office in 2023. He explained that the Third Mainland Bridge, as well as the Carter and Iddo bridges, were in poor condition at the time and required thorough inspections and repairs, both above and below water level.
Umahi said President Bola Tinubu approved a complete overhaul of the bridge, including the replacement of expansion joints, which has improved driving conditions and extended the structure’s lifespan. He noted that the CCTV system, announced in 2025, was introduced to discourage reckless driving, prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen security. According to him, security personnel will monitor live footage from the control centre and enforce speed limits on the bridge.
The minister praised the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for delivering the project to a high standard. He added that the contract also provided a surveillance boat and two Hilux vehicles, which will be handed over to the police to support monitoring and rapid response. “Our goal is to see everything happening on the bridge,” Umahi said, expressing concern about excessive speeding and urging motorists to obey traffic rules.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, said the facility is the first CCTV control centre of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria. He explained that the system enables real-time monitoring of activities on the bridge and in the surrounding waters. Dare disclosed that the project includes 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300 KVA transformer, a backup generator, multiple monitoring screens, full air-conditioning, 1,268 solar-powered streetlights, and a borehole.
He said the contract was awarded at a cost of ₦40.17 billion, with about ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor. The inauguration, he added, marks the completion of the first phase, while further commissioning will take place after work on the bridge’s extension is finished. Dare thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and commended Umahi for ensuring due process throughout its execution.
Source: https://businessday.ng/
