FG Begins Construction Plans for Modern Carter Bridge in Lagos

The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has officially handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve transportation safety in the state.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this during the handover ceremony held at Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, on Wednesday.

Umahi said the project followed extensive structural investigations which uncovered serious defects beneath both Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge.

According to the minister, an initial underwater structural assessment carried out in 2013 under a previous administration revealed disturbing defects affecting the bridges’ foundation systems.

“The past administration commissioned investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. Very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge,” Umahi said.

He explained that another investigation conducted in 2019 showed that the structural defects had deteriorated further, prompting the Tinubu administration to engage geologists, marine engineers and specialist divers after assuming office.

READ ALSO:

• Mass Burial Turns Deadly in Plateau as Gunmen Attack Villagers
• South Africa Xenophobia Crisis Deepens as NANS Targets MTN, MultiChoice
• Trump Threatens Escalated Bombing of Iran If War Deal Is Rejected

Umahi revealed that findings from the latest assessment confirmed that some piles supporting the bridges had shifted from their pile caps, raising concerns over the long-term safety and stability of the structures.

According to him, consultations were subsequently held with bridge engineers, lawmakers and international infrastructure experts before the Federal Government concluded that constructing a new bridge would be more economical and sustainable than attempting extensive repairs.

The minister stated that experts advised that rehabilitating the existing structure could cost nearly twice the amount required to build a new bridge entirely.

Umahi disclosed that part of the proposed structure would be designed as a modern cable-stayed bridge to improve aesthetics and support maritime navigation activities around Lagos waterways.

“We decided that a section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge. You see the cable bridge we see overseas, very beautiful, and that is to enhance our navigational activities,” he stated.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development, describing him as a “president of infrastructure.”

According to Umahi, the Federal Government will provide 30 per cent counterpart funding for the project, while the remaining 70 per cent will be sourced through external financing arrangements.

The minister explained that seven construction firms were invited to bid for the project, while six companies eventually submitted bids, including Julius Berger Nigeria.

He said the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, recommended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) after emerging as the most technically and commercially viable bidder.

“The CECC was technically and commercially most viable. That’s why the BPP recommended them and the Federal Executive Council approved the project award,” Umahi added.

The minister directed CCECC to immediately mobilise to the project site, stressing that the government would closely monitor the pace and quality of execution.

He also announced that one carriageway of Eko Bridge would be temporarily shut down from Sunday to allow ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation works in Lagos.

The planned new Carter Bridge project is expected to complement existing transport infrastructure in Lagos and reduce pressure on key routes linking Lagos Island to the Mainland.

Carter Bridge remains one of Lagos’ busiest transport corridors, connecting Iddo, Ebute Metta and Lagos Island while serving thousands of commuters daily.

The development comes amid several major federal infrastructure projects currently ongoing in Lagos, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge and expansion of key road networks across the state.

FG Begins Construction Plans for Modern Carter Bridge in Lagos

Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

The Nigerian Senate crisis deepened on Wednesday after a heated confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole disrupted plenary proceedings for over 15 minutes.

The tense exchange occurred during the routine consideration of the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting. Trouble began when Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) abruptly raised a point of order while Akpabio was reading the official record.

Citing the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Akpabio ruled him out of order, explaining that such interruptions are not permitted at that stage of proceedings. However, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard, challenging the interpretation of the rules and triggering a Senate plenary disruption.

In a bid to restore order, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu to clarify the procedural position. Kalu backed the Senate President, stating that the rules clearly prohibit such interruptions.

The situation escalated further when Chief Whip Tahir Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be invoked if the disruption continued. Despite this, Oshiomhole remained defiant, citing Order 20(f) and stressing that lawmakers must fully understand the rules guiding legislative business.

A visibly displeased Akpabio issued a stern warning, stating, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” before cautioning that the Senate would not hesitate to enforce discipline if necessary.

READ ALSO:

• BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to ₦1,350 Per Litre
• FG Rules Out Return of Fuel Subsidy, Says Market Pricing Will Continue
• Federal Worker Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Donald Trump

Calm was eventually restored, allowing the Senate President to complete the reading. Senator Adamu Aliero subsequently moved a motion for adoption, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The confrontation is widely linked to the controversial Senate rule amendment adopted a day earlier, which has sparked intense debate within Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections. During a closed-door session lasting nearly three hours, lawmakers amended key provisions—Orders 4 and 5—effectively tightening eligibility criteria for leadership positions in the National Assembly.

Under the revised rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination will be eligible to contest for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President. This new Senate eligibility rule significantly narrows the pool of contenders.

The amendment also reinforces the principle of ranking, prioritising former presiding officers and experienced lawmakers over first-time entrants. Additionally, Order 5 now requires that any senator seeking a principal office must have completed two consecutive terms prior to nomination.

The implication is clear: only returning members of the current Senate who secure re-election into the next Assembly will qualify for top leadership roles, effectively excluding many new and returning political heavyweights.

The Nigeria Senate controversy has raised concerns about inclusiveness and internal democracy. While Senate leadership argues the changes will strengthen institutional memory and ensure stability, critics believe the move could consolidate power among a select group of ranking lawmakers.

Oshiomhole is reported to have been among the few senators who openly resisted the amendments, making Wednesday’s clash a continuation of deeper disagreements within the chamber.

Observers say the incident signals early 2027 election power struggle dynamics, with growing tensions over succession, leadership control, and legislative procedure already playing out in the Red Chamber. As debates continue, the episode underscores broader concerns about transparency, fairness, and the balance of power in Nigeria’s legislative process.

Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

FG Moves to Reverse US ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation on Nigeria

The Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagements with the United States in a bid to secure the removal of Nigeria from the “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list, citing ongoing security reforms and strengthened bilateral cooperation.

The designation, issued by the U.S. government in 2025 under its international religious freedom framework, was based on concerns over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, particularly linked to violence involving extremist groups and communal clashes in parts of the North-East and Middle Belt regions.

The classification followed concerns raised by Washington over attacks attributed to extremist organisations such as Boko Haram and armed groups operating in rural communities, which have contributed to insecurity, displacement, and heightened humanitarian challenges across affected regions.

Nigeria has consistently rejected the CPC designation, arguing that it does not fully reflect the country’s religious diversity or the ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime affecting both Christians and Muslims.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that discussions on the CPC issue formed part of a recent diplomatic engagement in Abuja with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, David Heffern.

In a post on her X handle, she said the meeting covered a broad range of bilateral issues including security and defence cooperation, border management, migration challenges, counter-terrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, visa matters, and other areas of mutual interest between both countries.

READ ALSO:

• Davido Suspends Music Activities to Mobilise Votes for Adeleke’s Re-election
• African Nations Threaten Retaliatory Action Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa
• Melaye: Obi Can’t Handle Nigeria If He Can’t Face Party Crises

Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that both sides also reviewed ongoing collaboration under the Joint Working Group, which focuses on improving regional stability and addressing shared security concerns across West Africa.

A major point of discussion was Nigeria’s continued inclusion on the CPC list, which the government insists is being addressed through sustained reforms and diplomatic engagement with Washington.

She noted that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with the United States to address underlying concerns while strengthening long-standing bilateral relations.

The Federal Government has also highlighted ongoing improvements in counter-terrorism operations, inter-agency coordination, and community-based security initiatives aimed at reducing violence and protecting civilians across the country.

Officials say Nigeria is also deepening cooperation with international partners in intelligence sharing and regional peacebuilding efforts as part of its broader security strategy.

Authorities maintain that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, rather than targeted religious persecution alone.

The government has reiterated that it will continue diplomatic engagement with the United States and other partners in a bid to ensure that Nigeria’s security progress is properly reflected in international assessments.

Both countries are expected to maintain discussions in the coming months as Nigeria pushes for a review of its status on the CPC list and seeks to strengthen cooperation on security and governance issues.

FG Moves to Reverse US ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation on Nigeria