Minister refutes Third Mainland Bridge damage rumours

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has clarified that the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge is neither shaky nor defective, contrary to rumours circulating online.

PUNCH Online reports that messages on social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Facebook, claimed that a section of the Third Mainland Bridge had opened up and that the bridge was unstable.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Orji Orji, it was noted that the rumour was an attempt to maliciously undermine public confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement revealed that upon hearing the rumour, the minister dispatched a team of engineers, led by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, to inspect the bridge.
The statement read:

“The Minister of Works, upon hearing this baseless rumour, promptly deployed a team of engineers, led by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, to inspect the entire length and width of the 11-kilometre bridge. This was to ascertain whether anything had gone amiss with the Third Mainland Bridge.

“The team’s report confirmed that the bridge remains in excellent condition, with its structural integrity completely intact.”

The statement further highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing inherited road infrastructure challenges. It noted that the Third Mainland Bridge, along with other iconic bridges in Lagos, has been prioritised for maintenance and repair.

It added, “The Renewed Hope administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to revamping inherited road infrastructure deficiencies. The Third Mainland Bridge, along with other significant bridges in Lagos, has received priority interventions due to their critical role in Lagos’ transport ecosystem.

“That is why the superstructure, substructure, and underwater elements of the Third Mainland Bridge are undergoing comprehensive repairs under this administration.”

The minister urged the public to disregard the rumours, assuring Nigerians that the government is committed to their welfare.
He also stated:

“The Federal Ministry of Works is fully equipped and committed to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure. Our guiding principles are quality, speed, and value for money. Nigerians can rest assured that the roads constructed under the Renewed Hope administration will stand the test of time.”