Odita Sunday 
Umahi Fires Back At Tinubu Critics As FG Moves To Launch New Carter Bridge, Restore Eko Bridge
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has moved to deepen infrastructure renewal in Lagos with plans to commence construction of a new Carter Bridge this month and fast-track the rehabilitation of Eko Bridge, as Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, mounted a robust defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that “talk is cheap” for critics questioning the President’s credentials.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Umahi said the administration remains focused on delivering transformational infrastructure despite political criticism and operational challenges.
The Minister announced that rehabilitation works on Eko Bridge are progressing steadily, while full mobilization for the construction of the new Carter Bridge is expected to commence within June.
Beginning the inspection at Eko Bridge, Umahi recounted that the structure had suffered extensive damage caused by preventable incidents, including a fire linked to trading activities beneath the bridge and repeated impacts from heavy-duty trucks due to inadequate headroom clearance.
To accelerate reconstruction without sacrificing quality and safety, the Ministry adopted alternative engineering methods.
“Today, we saw the rebuilding process and, to save time, we decided instead of using concrete beams, we would use T-beams,” Umahi stated.
He stressed that strict supervision would guide implementation to ensure contractors adhere to approved engineering specifications.
“At every stage of that construction, I must be informed to ensure that the engineering design is followed and that the method statement given to the contractor is also followed,” he said.
Expressing optimism over project timelines, Umahi projected that rehabilitation of Eko Bridge would be completed before the end of the year.
“I believe strongly that by the end of the year, we should be able to completely finish Eko Bridge,” he added.
The Minister disclosed that works beneath the bridge include reinforced concrete pavement construction and excavation to increase clearance for trucks.
“We had to dig the ground to gain additional height, having a minimum headroom of 5.6m for trucks. The standard engineering design for headroom is 5.6m,” he explained.
According to him, future bridge projects under the Ministry will adopt a higher minimum clearance of 6.5 metres to improve durability and accommodate larger vehicles.
Umahi also raised concerns over abandoned trucks and illegal activities under bridge structures.
“We’ve seen that it takes madness to cure this level of madness under our bridges,” he remarked, directing the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to establish a task force to curb abuse of public infrastructure.
He further revealed that illegal sand dredging had worsened structural damage on Eko Bridge and necessitated emergency intervention.
The immediate restoration intervention, estimated at about ₦12 billion, has already been forwarded for approval.
“The immediate intervention is going to cost about 12 billion naira. We’ve sent it to PPP, and by next week I’ll be going to see Mr. President for intervention funds to restore that bridge,” Umahi said.
He added that ongoing underwater repairs and replacement of critical bridge components valued at about ₦18 billion were necessary to prevent further deterioration.
“…some of the bearings and underwater works in that Eko Bridge which is about 18b. It’s an ongoing contract, and so we needed to intervene immediately so that that Eko Bridge will not collapse.”
Turning to the proposed Carter Bridge project, Umahi praised China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for demonstrating readiness by mobilizing to site before receiving official mobilization funds.
“I’m very impressed with what CCECC is doing. We have not even paid the mobilization fee. But my regime is such that when you’re given a contract, you have to demonstrate capacity and willingness to partner with the Federal Government.”
He said the Ministry would proceed with processing the statutory 30 per cent mobilization payment.
Umahi also commended Advanced Engineering Consultant (AEC) for resolving technical and stakeholder concerns affecting the project alignment.
“I want young people in this country to come and learn with this team. They are very wonderful, very knowledgeable, committed, serious, and focused,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that technical reviews had eliminated more than 80 per cent of design encumbrances, including issues affecting the Oba of Lagos’ Palace and other sensitive areas.
He added that the new Carter Bridge would feature modern international-standard engineering, including two navigation spans of 105 metres each and a rope bridge component.
“We’re going to have two spans of one hundred and five meters each to aid navigation along this corridor.”
“It’s also going to have a rope bridge, a very fantastic rope bridge, because we must develop forward and not backward.”
Umahi announced that site activities would begin on Monday while full mobilization is expected within the month.
Linking the projects to broader national infrastructure goals, the Minister revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved immediate release of funds for Section One of the Fourth Legacy Road Project – the 125-kilometre Agwanga–Jos corridor being executed by CGC.
He also disclosed that the Gombe-Biu Road has been awarded while design work continues on the Gombe-Bauchi Road.
Taking a direct swipe at critics of the President, Umahi dismissed claims by political opponents that they possess stronger qualifications for Nigeria’s highest office.
“I laughed in vernacular when somebody who says he is a presidential aspirant claims he is the most qualified.”
“Even when you were governor of a state and President Bola Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, can you compare notes?”
“This is a man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean as a young governor of Lagos State.”
“Talk is very cheap.”
He maintained that Nigeria’s challenges require resilience and decisive leadership.
“There are challenges, but when God is with you, you’ll be seeing solutions.”
Earlier, the Director of Advanced Engineering Consultant, Mr. Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo, said the bridge design had been significantly optimized after consultations with the Honourable Minister and stakeholders.
According to him, the revised alignment reduces disruption to surrounding communities while creating a more sustainable infrastructure solution.
He explained that the new Carter Bridge would feature a central navigation span of approximately 105 metres on each side compared to the existing 75 metres, improving water transportation and commercial activities.
“The new bridge will be 12m high. It takes care of both today’s demand and future demand,” he said.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dang Yinan, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to begin construction.
“Today, following Your Excellency’s directive and our mobilization plan, we make this report. Next week Monday, we will start accessing the site. Thank you. We will try our best.”
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