January 12, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has inaugurated a ₦40 billion state-of-the-art Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring centre on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
This landmark facility is aimed at strengthening security, traffic management, and emergency response on one of Africa’s busiest thoroughfares.
The facility was commissioned on Sunday, January 11, 2026, by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who noted that the project fulfills a directive from President Bola Tinubu to modernize and secure critical federal infrastructure.
Built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the monitoring system features high-definition cameras providing real-time coverage of both the bridge deck and its underwater structural elements.
Minister Umahi explained that the surveillance system is designed to address chronic issues, including excessive speeding, traffic obstructions, and vehicle fires.
Crucially, the system is expected to help prevent suicide attempts on the bridge by allowing security personnel to detect and intervene within an estimated two-to-five-minute response window.
To support these efforts, the Federal Government has provided a dedicated surveillance boat for monitoring the lagoon and two operational Hilux vehicles for rapid police deployment.
The infrastructure also includes 1,268 solar-powered streetlights and a control centre powered by 240 solar panels, ensuring 24/7 uninterrupted operation.
“With designated lay-bys already provided, enforcement can be carried out efficiently without disrupting traffic flow,” Umahi said, urging motorists to adhere to speed limits.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, added that the project cost approximately ₦40.17 billion, with ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor.
Addressing public concerns, the Minister reiterated that the Federal Government has no plans to introduce tolling on the Third Mainland Bridge, stating that the focus remains on safety and maintenance. This commissioning marks the first phase of the project, with a full-scale inauguration planned once the ongoing bridge extension works are completed later this year
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