By John Umeh
The Federal Government has dismissed speculations that motorists will be charged tolls on the newly rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made this clarification on Sunday while speaking with journalists after the commissioning of a ₦40 billion Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Control Centre installed on the bridge.
According to Umahi, introducing tolling infrastructure on the bridge would be impractical and counterproductive. He explained that additional construction would place unnecessary static pressure on the structure and could disrupt traffic flow, given the bridge’s location within a densely populated urban area.
“The bridge is within the city, and tolling it would create congestion and operational challenges,” the minister said, adding that safety and traffic efficiency informed the government’s decision.
On security arrangements, Umahi said surveillance and safety on the 11-kilometre bridge would be managed by the Nigeria Police, with a rapid-response system designed to address incidents within five minutes. He noted that the CCTV centre would enhance real-time monitoring and improve emergency response.
The minister also disclosed that essential emergency facilities, including tow trucks and ambulances, would be stationed along the bridge to ensure quick intervention during breakdowns or accidents.
Reaffirming the administration’s focus on public welfare, Umahi said the goal of the current government is to ensure smooth and safe transportation for Nigerians, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s leadership is driven by a commitment to improving everyday life despite prevailing challenges.
The Third Mainland Bridge remains one of Lagos’ most critical transport corridors, and the government says its latest investments are aimed at boosting safety, efficiency, and user experience rather than revenue generation.
