FG Commissions ₦40 Billion CCTV Control Centre on Third Mainland Bridge

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In a major step toward improving safety and traffic management, the Federal Government has unveiled a ₦40 billion closed-circuit television (CCTV) control centre on Lagos’ iconic Third Mainland Bridge. The facility is designed to monitor traffic flow, deter reckless driving, and prevent suicide attempts along the bridge.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, who first announced the project in 2025, explained that the surveillance system provides real-time monitoring for security agencies, allowing them to respond promptly to incidents and enforce traffic regulations effectively.

Addressing Structural Challenges

At the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, Umahi highlighted that the administration inherited significant infrastructural challenges across major Lagos bridges. “When we assumed office in 2023, we encountered a very deteriorated Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, and Iddo Bridge, with damages on the pavement, surface, and infrastructure both above and below the water,” he remarked.

He added that President Bola Tinubu had mandated a full evaluation and rehabilitation of the bridge, including the replacement of expansion joints. “The President ordered a complete assessment and repair, and Lagosians are pleased with the quality of work delivered,” Umahi said.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

The project, executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, incorporates modern security technology and operational equipment for monitoring the bridge and its surroundings. The police will manage the CCTV hub, supported by a surveillance boat and two Hilux vans, with potential involvement from other security agencies.

Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the centre as Nigeria’s first of its kind. “I doubt any other bridge in the country has what we are deploying here today, allowing monitoring both underwater and on the bridge itself,” Dare said.

The control centre features 240 solar panels, ten inverters, a 300KVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple monitoring screens, 1,268 solar streetlights, and a borehole facility. Dare confirmed that the total project cost was ₦40.17 billion, with ₦36 billion already disbursed to the contractor.

Road Safety and Future Plans

Umahi expressed concern about drivers’ tendency to speed along the bridge and urged strict adherence to traffic rules. “Our main objective is comprehensive monitoring to ensure public safety and prevent accidents,” he said.

He also indicated that the inauguration represents only the first phase. “We will return to commission the extension of the bridge once completed, and we hope that full-scale commissioning will happen very soon,” Umahi noted.

Commentary: This initiative highlights the federal government’s focus on integrating technology into urban infrastructure management. By combining structural rehabilitation with advanced surveillance, the project serves dual purposes: extending the lifespan of Lagos’ critical bridges and enhancing citizen safety. The use of solar energy and modern equipment reflects a long-term approach to sustainable urban transport solutions.