UMAHI HANDS OVER NEW CARTER BRIDGE PROJECT TO CCECC, TO SHUT DOWN ONE CARRIAGEWAY OF EKO BRIDGE ON SUNDAY  The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a brand-new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigerians. The event took place at Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, Lagos State, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge became necessary after years of alarming structural investigations revealed worsening defects beneath both the Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge. According to the Minister, investigations into the underwater structural elements of the bridges began as far back as 2013, with another assessment carried out in 2019. The reports, he said, showed that the defects were increasing at what experts described as “geometrical progression.” “The past administration commissioned investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi stated. He explained that upon assumption of office, the present administration immediately engaged geologists and specialist divers to conduct further underwater investigations, which confirmed that some piles supporting the bridges had already shifted from their pile caps. “It’s just like the hip of the leg is cut off,” the Minister explained while describing the severity of the damage. Umahi said extensive consultations were held with bridge experts, stakeholders and members of the National Assembly, including foreign professionals, to determine the best solution. Experts, according to him, advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost almost twice the amount required to build a completely new structure. Following detailed technical analysis, the Federal Government approved the construction of a new modern bridge. He revealed that part of the new Carter Bridge will feature a world-class cable-stayed design to improve navigation and add aesthetic value to Lagos. “We decided that a section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge. You see the cable bridge we see overseas, very beautiful, and that is to enhance our navigational activities,” he said. The Minister disclosed that the project is expected to last 36 months. He praised President Tinubu for what he described as bold leadership and commitment to infrastructure renewal across the country. “So we are here to commend the president, president of first, president of infrastructure, the president of second tenure,” Umahi declared. The project, valued at N545 billion, will be financed through a combination of Federal Government counterpart funding and external borrowing, with 30 percent to be paid by the Federal Government and 70 percent sourced externally. Umahi further stated that due process was strictly followed in selecting the contractor, noting that seven firms were invited while six submitted bids, including Julius Berger. According to him, CCECC emerged as the most technically and commercially viable company. “The CECC was technically and commercially most viable. And that’s why the BPP recommended them and the Federal Executive Council has awarded the project to them,” he said. Formally handing over the site, the Minister directed the company to immediately mobilize to site while assuring Nigerians that the Ministry would closely monitor the project monthly to ensure compliance with all technical and safety standards. “By the authority of our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and with gratitude to God Almighty, it is our prayers that this which the president had started, that will last 36 months… It is the president that has started this work, and God will give him enablement and the second tenure to complete this project to the glory of God,” Umahi added. Meanwhile, the Minister also announced an emergency closure of one carriageway of the Eko Bridge following severe structural damage caused by illegal sand miners. He disclosed that illegal dredging activities around the bridge led to the destruction of several supporting piles after miners struck one of the pile caps with a barge. “When they knocked the pile cap, they broke three piles. And when they were trying to remove the barge, they broke another two,” he said. Umahi explained that the damage has weakened a section of the bridge, resulting in dangerous cracks and structural instability that could threaten lives if urgent action is not taken. As a precautionary measure, he directed that one full carriageway of the Eko Bridge be shut down by midnight of Sunday, May 10, 2026, while the unaffected carriageway remains open to traffic. “We will not allow people to endanger their lives. We are a responsible administration,” the Minister said. He further disclosed that the Federal Government has already designed an emergency technical solution involving the lifting of an entire bridge span to expose and repair the damaged sections beneath. According to him, Buildwell Construction, which has extensive experience handling bridge lifting operations on the Eko Bridge, will execute the emergency repairs alongside underwater structural investigations by specialist divers. The Minister assured Lagosians that President Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and directed that the matter be treated as an emergency. “President said I must be in Lagos to examine it and then treat it as an emergency situation. And that is what we are doing,” Umahi stated. He appealed for patience and understanding from residents, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains fully committed to protecting lives and preserving vital national infrastructure. “We are solving problems we didn’t create, but that’s why you voted for us, and that we are going to be working day and night,” the Minister said.   ...

PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA AIDES UNDERTAKE NATIONWIDE TOUR OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE NORTH WEST The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive nationwide inspection of critical infrastructure projects, reinforcing its commitment to timely execution, quality standards, and accountability under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on the North West region on Thursday. The exercise commenced along the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway corridor, where the Engineers’ Representative, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu, guided the inspection team across the completed 108-kilometre stretch extending from Tungan-Maje in the Federal Capital Territory to Jere in Kaduna State. He disclosed that while this segment has been fully delivered, work on Section II is progressing steadily and is projected for completion by November. He observed that the corridor, once plagued by setbacks, is now evolving into a vital artery for mobility, trade, and economic revitalisation. Also speaking, the Senior Project Manager of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Robert Turner, lauded the Federal Government’s sustained efforts, particularly the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for the visible advancements on the project.  He highlighted that approximately 80 per cent of the workforce comprises Nigerian professionals, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on local content and capacity development. The delegation further assessed progress on the Nnamdi Azikiwe–Kaduna Western Bypass. Originally awarded in 2021, the project has witnessed accelerated development since 2023. The 21.47-kilometre dual carriageway is strategically designed to ease traffic congestion within Kaduna metropolis while unlocking new economic opportunities across adjoining communities. Beyond routine evaluation, the ongoing inspection tour—spanning multiple states in the North West—is intended to deepen transparency, foster public confidence, and provide firsthand insight into government projects. In a related development, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, explained that the Renewed Hope National Media Tour will encompass a broad spectrum of projects, including highways, rail infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and renewable energy initiatives. He noted that media representatives will document on-the-ground progress and independently assess the impact of these interventions. The tour, which begins with the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, is set to spotlight strategic infrastructure and social development projects that underscore the administration’s drive to reposition the North West through sustainable investments.   ...

FG REAFFIRMS STRONG COMMITMENT TO KOGI ROADS AS UMAHI, DEEDAT PUSH FOR ACCELERATED INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY, SECURITY INTEGRATION ACROSS KEY CORRIDORS A high-level engagement between the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Kogi State, Hon. Salam Ozige Deedat, have reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government to the sustained development of critical road infrastructure across the state. At the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner expressed appreciation for the ongoing federal interventions on major road corridors, particularly the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene axis and other adjoining routes, noting that successive administrations have contributed to these projects, but observing that recent efforts under the current Renewed Hope Administration have demonstrated greater visibility and impact. He further commended the Minister for his prompt visit to Kogi State upon assumption of office, describing it as a clear demonstration of his connection and commitment to the state despite it not being his place of origin.  In addition, he acknowledged the consistent presence of federal teams and contractors on sites, while also pointing out that although progress on key corridors such as the Abuja–Lokoja and Lokoja–Okene are evident, delays in some sections and flyover construction have created traffic challenges that require urgent attention.  Moreover, he highlighted other strategic routes, including Okene–Ajaokuta, Takete–Mopa–Isanlu–Egbe towards Kwara State, as well as the Lokoja–Okene corridor, stressing that they all demand accelerated intervention, especially given Kogi State’s strategic proximity to the Federal Capital Territory. In response, the Honourable Minister explained that the major challenge confronting infrastructure delivery nationwide remains funding, even as the Federal Government continues to intensify efforts to address infrastructure deficits across all regions. He emphasised that the current administration is undertaking unprecedented road construction and rehabilitation works, noting that if past administrations had achieved similar levels of development, the present infrastructure pressure across the country would have been significantly reduced. He also reiterated that all parts of the country are demanding attention, adding that ongoing works are being systematically reviewed and restructured to ensure proper delivery and accountability. Specifically addressing the Abuja–Lokoja corridor, the Minister stated that the road, which was previously in a deplorable condition, is now undergoing extensive reconstruction, with several contractors handling different sections. He explained that a 48-kilometre stretch formerly handled by Bulletine Construction is being restructured under concrete pavement due to funding and durability considerations, while an 86-kilometre section previously executed by Gitto has also been re-awarded and reorganised for renewed construction works. Similarly, he disclosed that additional sections, including a 56-kilometre stretch, are being rescoped from asphalt to concrete pavement after contractors voluntarily agreed to adopt a more durable construction method within the available cost framework. Furthermore, he noted that about 50 kilometres remain, which have now been divided between contractors such as JRB and Trucrete to accelerate completion. In the same vein, he explained that other contractors, including CGC, CCECC, BUA, and CBC, are actively working on various segments of the corridor, with several portions already completed or ongoing under concrete pavement technology. He stressed that this transition to concrete construction is deliberate, as it ensures long-term durability and reduces maintenance costs, unlike previous asphalt methods that deteriorate quickly due to water penetration and inadequate shoulder protection. While addressing concerns raised about national security, the Minister acknowledged the strong relationship between infrastructure and security, noting that poor road networks often exacerbate insecurity. Consequently, he revealed that the Ministry is considering integrating solar-powered lighting and CCTV surveillance systems along critical highways such as Abuja–Lokoja Expressway to enhance monitoring, safety, and response capabilities. He further assured that similar interventions will be extended to other strategic corridors to improve security and protect road users. Additionally, he provided updates on several ongoing and planned national projects, including the Trans-Saharan Highway, which forms part of the President’s Legacy Road Infrastructure initiative and passes through Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa States before terminating at Apo in the FCT. He also referenced the Makurdi–9th Mile corridor, the Kabba–Ado Ekiti road project, and other interventions under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Programme, noting that several of these projects are captured within the 2024–2026 budget cycle, with funding already allocated but awaiting full mobilisation or contractor deployment in some cases. Moreover, he urged stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, encouraging sub-national governments to complement federal efforts by undertaking basic interventions such as stone-base construction and maintenance works, where necessary. He also advocated for the adoption of more durable road construction methods, particularly concrete pavement and reinforced mesh technology, which have proven effective in states where they have been implemented. ...