The Federal Government has inaugurated a ₦40 billion closed-circuit television (CCTV) control centre on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, marking a major step toward improving road safety and security on one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the project followed extensive rehabilitation works carried out on the bridge after the current administration assumed office.
According to Umahi, the CCTV system was introduced to curb dangerous driving, prevent suicide attempts, and enhance security on the bridge.
“When we came on board, we met a very terrible Third Mainland Bridge,” he said. “The structure, alongside Carter and Iddo bridges, required comprehensive re-evaluation and repairs, both above and below water level.”
The minister explained that President Bola Tinubu approved the total rehabilitation of the bridge, including the replacement of its expansion joints, to improve safety and extend its lifespan.
“The completed work has significantly improved driving conditions and strengthened the durability of the bridge,” Umahi added.
He disclosed that security personnel would monitor live footage from the control centre to enforce speed limits and respond swiftly to emergencies.
“The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge,” Umahi said. “Excessive speeding is a major concern, and motorists must comply with traffic regulations.”
Umahi further revealed that the project includes a surveillance boat and two Hilux vans, which will be handed over to the Nigeria Police to support monitoring and rapid response operations on the bridge and surrounding waterways.
On his part, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the facility as the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria.
“This system allows for real-time monitoring of activities on the bridge and the surrounding waters,” Dare said.
He listed key components of the project to include 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300kVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple monitoring screens, and full air-conditioning for the control centre.
Dare also disclosed that the contract covers the installation of 1,268 solar-powered streetlights and a borehole facility.
According to him, the project was awarded at a cost of ₦40.17 billion, with about ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor.
He added that the current inauguration represents the first phase of the project, noting that additional facilities will be commissioned after the completion of work on the bridge’s extension.
