Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has revealed that the iconic Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is facing serious underwater structural problems that will require an estimated ₦3.6 trillion to repair.
According to Umahi, the damage is located beneath the water’s surface in critical areas such as the bridge’s pillars and foundations, which support the entire structure.
The minister explained that these “underwater issues” include cracks or weakening in the concrete support columns, corrosion of steel reinforcements due to prolonged exposure to water and salt, and erosion of the seabed around the foundations that could compromise stability.
Structural wear from decades of heavy traffic, tidal currents, and vibrations from vehicles has also contributed to the deterioration.
These problems, Umahi stressed, are far more serious than surface-level damage and, if left unaddressed, could pose a significant safety risk to the millions of commuters who rely on the bridge daily.
The Third Mainland Bridge, Africa’s second-longest, is a vital transport link connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.
Experts warn that repairs of this scale will require extensive engineering work, specialized underwater construction equipment, and significant funding.
The Ministry of Works is expected to announce a detailed rehabilitation plan, but concerns remain about how the federal government will secure the massive budget needed for the project without disrupting traffic for extended periods.
