FG Inaugurates ₦40 Billion CCTV Control Centre for Third Mainland Bridge

The Federal Government on Sunday, January 11, 2026, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art ₦40 billion Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) control centre for the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who performed the inauguration on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, stated that the facility is designed to enhance security, curb dangerous driving, and prevent suicide attempts on the 11.8-kilometer bridge. The project follows extensive rehabilitation works on the bridge’s infrastructure, which Umahi described as having been in a "terrible state" when the current administration took office in 2023.

The high-tech surveillance system, executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), features 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, and a 300 KVA transformer to ensure round-the-clock operation. The facility allows for real-time monitoring of both the bridge surface and the surrounding waters, representing the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria. To support rapid response, the contract also includes a dedicated surveillance boat and two Hilux patrol vans, which will be handed over to the police to enforce speed limits and respond to emergencies within an estimated five-minute window.

During the ceremony, the Minister also addressed the possibility of tolling the newly rehabilitated bridge, explicitly ruling it out. He explained that introducing tolling booths would create significant traffic bottlenecks in the heart of Lagos and add a static load that could compromise the bridge's structural integrity. With approximately ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor for this first phase, the government plans a final, full-scale commissioning once the bridge’s extension works are completed. This project is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar smart infrastructure security systems on major highways across the country.

What do you think about the ₦40 billion price tag for this security project? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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