The Federal Government has unveiled a N40 billion CCTV control centre on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, marking a major step in strengthening security and real time surveillance on one of Africa’s busiest bridges.
The facility, constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, was inaugurated amid assurances that the project would significantly improve monitoring, safety, and response to incidents along the strategic transport corridor.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, said the Tinubu administration met the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, and Eko Bridge in a severely degraded state when it assumed office in 2023. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu immediately ordered a detailed assessment and full rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Umahi explained that the intervention included resurfacing of the roadway and replacement of critical expansion joints, adding that the quality of the work has ensured durability and earned positive feedback from Lagos residents who rely on the bridge daily.
He praised CCECC for delivering the project to specification and revealed that a surveillance boat and two Hilux vehicles provided under the contract would be handed over to the Nigeria Police for continuous monitoring of activities on and around the bridge. He noted that other security agencies could be integrated into the operation if the need arises.
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The minister said the newly inaugurated CCTV control centre allows authorities to monitor movements on the bridge in real time, enhancing security and emergency response. He also raised concern over frequent cases of over speeding, warning motorists to obey traffic rules to prevent accidents.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the facility as the first CCTV control centre of its kind in Nigeria. He said the system does not only cover the bridge structure but also monitors activities beneath the water, adding a new layer of security to the area.
Dare disclosed that the project includes a surveillance boat, two Hilux vans, 240 solar panels, multiple inverters, advanced monitoring screens, a 300KVA transformer, a standby generator, and a fully air conditioned control room. He added that the contract also provides for the installation of 1,268 solar powered street lights and a borehole within the facility.
According to him, the total cost of the project stands at N40.17 billion, out of which the Federal Government has already paid N36 billion to the contractor. He explained that the inauguration marks the first phase of the project, while full commissioning will take place after the completion of the ongoing bridge extension works.
