The Federal Government on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art N40 billion Close Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring centre on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, aimed at enhancing security and traffic management on the nation’s busiest bridge.
The facility, constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is designed to monitor both the bridge’s surface and underwater infrastructure.
The inauguration was led by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who praised the quality of the project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining critical national infrastructure.
“When we assumed office in 2023, we found the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, and Iddo Bridge in very poor condition, both above and below the waterline,” Umahi said.
“President Tinubu directed a full assessment and rehabilitation of these bridges, and I am pleased to say the work has been completed to high standards.”
The CCTV centre is equipped with advanced monitoring tools, including 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300KVA transformer, a standby generator, and fully air-conditioned control rooms.
The facility also comes with a surveillance boat and two Hilux vans for bridge patrols, with the option for additional security agencies to collaborate in monitoring operations.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr. Olufemi Dare, described the facility as a major milestone for infrastructure security in Nigeria.
“This is arguably the most advanced bridge monitoring system in the country.
“The centre allows us to oversee bridge activity comprehensively, from traffic flow to underwater integrity, and ensures swift response to any incidents, ” he said.
The project also included the installation of 1,268 solar-powered street lights along the bridge and borehole facilities, reinforcing the government’s focus on both safety and sustainable infrastructure development.
The total project cost was N40.17 billion, with N36 billion already paid to the contractor.
Minister Umahi cautioned motorists to comply with traffic regulations, noting that speeding and reckless driving remain major risks on the bridge.
He said the surveillance system would not only improve safety but also facilitate law enforcement and emergency response.
Officials in attendance at the commissioning ceremony thanked President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing infrastructure and lauded the Ministry of Works for ensuring due process in the execution of the project.
The Third Mainland Bridge, which connects Lagos Island to the mainland, is the busiest in Nigeria, carrying thousands of vehicles daily.
The new CCTV centre is expected to enhance security, improve traffic management, and safeguard structural integrity for years to come.
