The National Assembly has called upon President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s infrastructure in response to the pressing challenges facing the country’s infrastructure network.
This urgent plea comes amidst the Federal Government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure needs, including the mobilization of contractors for the rehabilitation of the Carter Bridge in Lagos with a budget of N7 billion.
Sen. Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, and Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, emphasized the necessity of declaring a state of emergency, citing the magnitude of the infrastructure deficiencies. They noted that traditional funding mechanisms through annual appropriations fall short of meeting the extensive infrastructure requirements.
Accompanying Minister of Works, David Umahi, on an inspection tour of key bridges in Lagos, including the Third Mainland, Eko, and Carter bridges, the lawmakers reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to providing financial support within legal frameworks for these critical infrastructure projects. The bridges play a vital role in the nation’s commercial hub, connecting Lagos Mainland with Victoria Island.
During the inspection, Minister Umahi highlighted the progress made in rehabilitating the first section of the Third Mainland Bridge and announced the imminent commencement of rehabilitation works on the Carter Bridge. The contractor responsible for the Carter Bridge rehabilitation project has been mobilized with N7 billion, signaling the government’s dedication to infrastructure improvement initiatives.
