Nigeria Approves N6bn for Upgrade of Third Mainland Rail Stations, Baggage Scanners

Nigeria’s federal government has approved a budget of over 6.2 billion Naira for the maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. 

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who revealed the development after the weekly meeting of the federal executive council, stated that the repairs will cover several kilometers and include interchanges, ramps, and links. 

The former governor of Lagos State, said the State’s Public Works Corporation will focus on the functional structure of the bridge such as the underwater piles, while the FG will undertake surface maintenance to treat potholes and restore missing guard rails.

 He said “Council approved a fresh contract for the maintenance of the pavement of the third mainland bridge and this was approved in the sum of N6.28bn for a period of 24 months. This move is in line with Executive Order 11, which emphasizes the need for the maintenance of public infrastructure. 

“I have been asked about the works that have been done on the bridge before. The works are concentrating largely on the substructure of the bridge; the underwater piles, the pile caps and also the replacement of the expansion joints and the bearings”.

He also added “These are maintenance works that are critical to the structural integrity of the bridge. What we’re dealing with now is different. It is the driving surface and also the aesthetics. Some of the rails have been stolen. Some of the pleats are misaligned at the routes that lead you on and off the bridge.”

Fashola assured that there will be no prolonged closures during the repairs. 

This approval came barely two weeks after the Lagos State Government said it would undertake rehabilitation works on the 32-year-old Bridge to repair failed and peeled asphaltic sections and substructure.

Additionally, the government has also approved the purchase of baggage scanners worth 495 million Naira to enhance security at railway stations across the country.

 Chioma Kalu

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