The Federal Government has raised an urgent alarm over what it calls a growing menace of excessive speeding on the newly-rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, warning that the situation, if left unchecked, could lead to serious consequences for both safety and traffic management.
Speaking during a recent stakeholder engagement meeting on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, addressed the alarming rise in high-speed driving on the iconic Third Mainland Bridge, which has been a key transportation route connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.
“The speed at which some drivers are navigating the Third Mainland Bridge is truly worrying. We cannot allow this recklessness to continue,” Umahi stated, expressing deep concern over the safety of all road users. The minister, who was in Lagos to discuss ongoing infrastructure developments in the state, underscored the importance of maintaining safety standards on the rehabilitated bridge, one of the busiest in the country.
A Growing Threat to Public Safety
Excessive speeding, which has reportedly become a rampant issue, is not only posing serious risks to commuters but also endangering the lives of pedestrians and other road users. The Third Mainland Bridge, which underwent extensive rehabilitation in recent years, has become a critical artery in Lagos’ transport network, with thousands of vehicles crossing it daily.
One of the primary concerns raised by the Ministry of Works is that many drivers are flouting speed limits, particularly in the wake of the bridge’s renovations. “We have received numerous complaints from concerned citizens and traffic management officials about this issue. The speed at which people are driving is far beyond the recommended limits,” said Umahi, emphasizing that this behavior could lead to more frequent accidents if not curtailed.
The government has also taken into consideration the potentially negative impact of placing speed bumps on the bridge. While this has been suggested as a solution to reduce speed, the minister made it clear that such a measure could create even worse traffic congestion.
“If we resort to speed bumps as a solution, it could trigger even worse traffic jams on the bridge,” Umahi explained. “Our aim is to prevent accidents without causing further inconvenience to commuters.”
High-Tech Monitoring on the Horizon
In response to the growing concern, the government has announced several proactive measures, including the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras along the Third Mainland Bridge. Umahi revealed that the cameras had been set up both on the bridge itself and underneath it, with plans for them to be activated soon. These cameras will serve as part of a broader effort to monitor traffic behavior and enforce speed regulations on one of Lagos’ busiest routes.
“We are installing cameras, and very soon, they will be live,” said the Minister. “We will have officials on standby to monitor the footage, ensuring that those who violate traffic rules are held accountable.”
Umahi further emphasized that the government’s monitoring efforts would not be confined to Lagos. In a major push to enhance remote surveillance, the traffic footage from the Third Mainland Bridge will be directly monitored in real time from Abuja.
“This is a modern approach that we are adopting, much like what we did with the Second Niger Bridge,” he noted. “Whatever happens on that bridge — from Third Mainland Bridge down to Falomo — is being captured by cameras, and we are watching it from our offices in Abuja.”
Expansion of Rehabilitation and Increased Security
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure in the area, Umahi also highlighted the extension of the rehabilitation work, which now stretches to Falomo. In addition to the bridge improvements, the government has installed street lights along the newly rehabilitated sections, making the route safer, especially at night.
“We have also extended the rehabilitation to Falomo, and it is a beautiful sight to behold. We’ve installed street lights and additional CCTV cameras in that area as well,” he said. “These developments will help enhance both security and the overall driving experience for everyone.”
With a promise of ongoing surveillance and enforcement, Umahi assured the public that the government was committed to ensuring the safety and security of everyone who uses the Third Mainland Bridge.
Government’s Stand on Traffic Safety
The concerns raised by Umahi come as part of the government’s broader push to tackle traffic issues in Lagos, one of the most populous cities in Africa. While the Third Mainland Bridge remains a vital link in the city’s transportation network, authorities are increasingly alarmed at the growing number of accidents and traffic violations.
Experts have pointed out that while improved infrastructure is key to easing traffic flow, effective law enforcement remains a crucial element in ensuring that safety standards are adhered to. By using technology such as CCTV and real-time surveillance, the government aims to make it clear that those who flout traffic regulations will face consequences, regardless of their location.
“We are not only interested in improving the road infrastructure, but we are equally focused on making sure the roads are safe for everyone,” Umahi said.
As Nigeria continues to tackle its growing traffic challenges, the issue of reckless driving and speeding remains a significant concern for both the government and the general public. The coming months will reveal whether these measures will have the desired impact on reducing road accidents and improving traffic safety in Lagos.
The Third Mainland Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Africa, continues to serve as a vital transit route for both commercial and private vehicles, but it has also become a flashpoint for road safety concerns. With the government’s heightened efforts to curb excessive speeding, the coming months could see significant changes in how traffic is managed on one of Nigeria’s busiest thoroughfares.
