Nigeria’s Federal Government says it will demolish Lagos’ historic Carter Bridge after engineers declared the 124-year-old structure unsafe and beyond repair.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi announced the decision on Friday following an inspection of the bridge’s underdeck, saying multiple technical reports had confirmed severe structural failures.
“We wanted to see whether we could salvage the ramps to reduce cost and time of construction,” Umahi said. “But if the observations sent to us are correct, both the ramps and the main axial section of the Carter Bridge will have to go.”
The government relied on assessments by Julius Berger Plc and other engineering consultants, which reportedly found that the bridge’s integrity could no longer be guaranteed. Umahi said the findings would still undergo independent verification, but stressed that all stakeholders agreed an entirely new bridge was urgently needed.
Carter Bridge, commissioned in 1901, was the first major crossing linking Lagos Island to the mainland. Originally a wooden structure, it transformed transportation in what was then a colonial port city, replacing the dependence on ferries and canoes. The bridge was later rebuilt with concrete and steel to handle the city’s booming population and remains a critical artery for millions of commuters and traders every day.
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It is one of three main bridges connecting the island to the mainland, alongside the Third Mainland Bridge — Africa’s longest — and the Eko Bridge.
Umahi noted that remnants of the original bridge, demolished with explosives decades ago, still obstruct navigation channels and would have to be cleared before construction of a replacement could begin.
He also said the ministry is exploring whether any part of the existing structure can be preserved, but stressed that public safety would guide the final decision.
“We will not compromise on safety. We will do what is right and ensure that whatever comes up here will stand the test of time,” Umahi added.
The announcement is expected to spark concerns among Lagos residents, who already face heavy traffic congestion on the city’s overstretched road network. The government has yet to release a timeline for demolition or construction of a replacement bridge.