The Federal Government has officially commissioned a ₦40 billion closed-circuit television (CCTV) control centre for Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge, aiming to enhance safety, security, and traffic management on the busy route.

The inauguration took place on Sunday, with Minister of Works David Umahi highlighting that the project follows extensive rehabilitation works on the bridge, initiated after the current administration took office in 2023. The CCTV system, first announced in 2025, is designed to curb reckless driving, prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen security oversight.

“Security personnel will monitor live footage from the control centre and enforce speed limits on the bridge,” Umahi explained. “When we came on board in 2023, we met a very terrible Third Mainland Bridge, along with Carter and Iddo bridges, all requiring comprehensive re-evaluation and repairs both above and below water level.”

He noted that the total rehabilitation, including the replacement of expansion joints, was approved by President Bola Tinubu. According to the minister, the work has improved driving conditions and extended the bridge’s lifespan.



From left: Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement, Moremi Ojudu, Project Manager Jason Chen, Senator David Umahi, Director Highway Bridges and Design, Mr Musa Saidu
The CCTV project also includes a surveillance boat and two Hilux vans, which will be deployed to the police for monitoring and rapid response. “The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge,” Umahi said, urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations and reduce excessive speeding.

Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the facility as the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria. He added that the system enables real-time monitoring of activities on the bridge and the surrounding waters.

The control centre is equipped with 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300 kVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple monitoring screens, and full air conditioning. The broader project also includes 1,268 solar-powered streetlights and a borehole facility to support operations.

According to Dare, the total contract sum was ₦40.17 billion, with approximately ₦36 billion already disbursed to the contractor. The inauguration marks the first phase of the project, with additional commissioning scheduled once work on the bridge’s extension is completed.

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure, improving traffic safety, and enhancing surveillance capabilities on Nigeria’s busiest bridges.