…As Umahi commends Julius Berger new management’s collaborative approach
The Federal government on Friday, July 4, 2025, expressed concerns about the state of the ageing Carter Bridge, Lagos, which serves as a major carriageway between Lagos Island and the Mainland.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who stated the position of the bridge while on an on-the-spot assessment visit, described the condition of the bridge as dangerous, stressing that it requires urgent attention.
Umahi, who was on the assessment visit with some engineers of the Federal Ministry of Works, said the government is currently weighing options for the revamping of the ageing Carter Bridge, Lagos where several engineering issues have been flagged.
Umahi said that the federal government is currently reviewing a proposal to either replace the Bridge with a N320 billion cable-stayed structure, considered a more durable and cost-effective alternative or embark on full-scale repairs of the bridge with N380 billion required.
The minister said that Julius Berger has completed 80% of the above-water repairs, adding that investigations uncovered severe underwater damage, corroded piles and detached caps which had overtime weakened the structural elements of the bridge, similar to what led to truck movement restrictions on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Umahi disclosed that only two firms have so far submitted proposals for the ongoing bridge rehabilitation projects in Lagos; BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge and Julius Berger for Carter Bridge.
He said that the government is currently reviewing both proposals and will forward its recommendations to the President for final approval.
The works minister said; “The ministry is reviewing proposals from Julius Berger and will submit its recommendations to President Bola Tinubu once assessments are complete.
Noting that past assessments in 2012 and 2019 flagged these issues, Umahi said a new bridge could last over 100 years and still cost less than the planned rehabilitation.
He noted that the collaborative approach employed by the new management of Julius Berger towards issues management is commendable and very helpful in the Ministry’s relationship with the construction giant as a critical stakeholder.
He said; “The collaborative approach of the new management of Julius Berger is as commendable; and it is welcomed for all stakeholders on any project to be on the same page. This is kudos to the Managing Director who has proven to be a humble professional in a hurry to build fresh relationships with fellow stakeholders”.
While commending Julius Berger for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership, the minister said the company quoted N27 billion for the project or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, both parties arrived at N17 billion.
Umahi described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.
In his own remarks during the visit, Mr Thomas Christl, Regional Technical Manager, Region West of Julius Berger, acknowledged the that the extent of underwater damage to Carter bridge is significant, adding that the company began work on the Carter Bridge in 2024, focusing on handrails and pile caps above water.
Christl said the current contract does not cover the full scope of the restoration needed.
In the words of Christl; “After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better. A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it”.
