The Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has debunked reports suggesting plans to introduce toll charges on the recently rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
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The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, clarified the issue on Sunday while speaking with journalists after inaugurating a ₦40 billion Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Camera Control Centre on the bridge.
Umahi stated that tolling the Third Mainland Bridge would be neither practical nor appropriate, pointing to structural limitations and traffic considerations as reasons for the decision.
“We will not engage in any form of tolling on this bridge because it will involve construction activities that could introduce additional static load on the structure,” he said.
He further noted that the bridge’s location within a densely populated urban area makes tolling impractical, as it would create traffic congestion and operational challenges.
“The bridge is within the city, and tolling it will introduce unnecessary bottlenecks. That is why we are not tolling the Third Mainland Bridge,” Umahi added.
On security arrangements, the minister said responsibility had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, assuring that emergency response on the 11-kilometre bridge would be prompt.
“We are allowing the police to do the needful. There will be a response time of about five minutes,” he said.
Umahi also disclosed that essential emergency facilities, including tow vans and ambulances, would be stationed on the bridge to respond swiftly to incidents.
According to him, the government’s priority is to ensure smooth and safe movement for road users, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
“We want life to be very smooth and sweet for Nigerians; that is what President Bola Tinubu stands for,” the minister said.
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