In a landmark move to transform urban security and traffic management, the Federal Government officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art ₦40.17 billion CCTV Control Centre for the Third Mainland Bridge on Sunday, 11 January 2026.
The facility, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, was unveiled by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The project aims to provide 24/7 surveillance of Nigeria’s busiest bridge, covering both the deck surface and the structural elements beneath the water.
The facility is a comprehensive security hub designed for real-time monitoring and rapid response.
360-Degree Surveillance: High-definition cameras monitor the entire 11.8km stretch and the underwater piles to prevent illegal sand mining and vandalism.
Smart Powering: The centre is primarily solar-powered, featuring 240 solar panels, 10 industrial inverters, and a 300 KVA standby generator to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Lighting Infrastructure: The contract includes the installation of 1,268 solar-powered streetlights along the bridge corridor.
Rapid Response Units: The project includes a dedicated surveillance boat for the lagoon and two Hilux patrol vans, which have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
Minister David Umahi emphasized that the “terrible state” of the bridge inherited in 2023 necessitated this total technological overhaul.
Preventing Suicide Attempts: Operators will monitor live footage to detect individuals attempting to jump, allowing for immediate intervention.
Enforcing Speed Limits: The system will track over speeding motorists, with the police authorized to use the footage for enforcement.
Curbing Illegal Sand Mining: Cameras beneath the deck will spot any unauthorized excavation that could compromise the bridge’s structural integrity.
Improving Response Time: The goal is a maximum 5-minute response to vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or criminal activities.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, noted that this inauguration marks the “first phase.” Plans are already underway to extend this surveillance template to the bridge’s extensions and other major highways across the country under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.
“Lagosians can now breathe a sigh of relief. We aren’t just fixing the asphalt; we are installing a brain for the bridge to ensure that every life and vehicle on this stretch is accounted for.” – Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works.
