The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward enhancing safety and monitoring on the iconic Third Mainland Bridge with the inauguration of a ₦40 billion Close Circuit Television (CCTV), control centre. The unveiling took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking a milestone in infrastructure security and traffic management in Lagos State.
Boosting Security and Surveillance
The new CCTV centre, built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is designed to provide real-time monitoring of activities on and beneath the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to federal authorities, this facility is the first of its kind in Nigeria — equipped to observe not just the bridge’s surface but also underwater areas, helping to deter crime, improve emergency response and enhance overall public safety.
Key features of the centre include:
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Comprehensive camera systems covering the entire bridge span
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A control room with multiple monitoring screens
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Backup power infrastructure including a 300 kVA transformer, 10 inverters, and a standby generator
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Solar support with 240 solar panels
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A surveillance boat and two Hilux vans for ground and water-based monitoring
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1,268 solar street lights along the bridge route
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Facilities such as a borehole and full air‑conditioning for control centre operations
Government Officials Speak
At the event, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, said the administration inherited a “very terrible” Third Mainland Bridge and prioritised its rehabilitation and safety upgrades. He credited President Bola Tinubu for approving the project, which is part of a broader effort to secure and modernise vital infrastructure.
Umahi also highlighted plans to hand over the surveillance boat and vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, with the potential to involve other security agencies. He used the occasion to urge motorists to observe traffic rules, particularly speed limits, on the busy bridge.
Phase Commissioning and Future Plans
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, noted that this inauguration marks the first phase of commissioning.
Once the extended sections of the bridge are completed, the government plans a more comprehensive launch. Dare emphasised that though approximately ₦36 billion of the contract sum has been paid, the full scope of enhancements is still unfolding.
What This Means for Lagosians
For daily commuters and residents of Lagos, the CCTV centre promises:
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Improved security and quicker emergency responses.
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Better management of traffic incidents and violations.
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Enhanced infrastructure integrity monitoring.
Observers say this initiative could serve as a model for similar upgrades on other key bridges and thoroughfares nationwide.
This development underscores the federal government’s commitment to both infrastructure maintenance and innovative safety solutions, reflecting a broader strategy to modernise transport corridors in Nigeria’s economic hub.
