The Federal Government has refuted claims suggesting plans to impose toll charges on the recently rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
The clarification was given on Sunday, the 11th of January, 2026, by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, while addressing journalists after commissioning a ₦40 billion Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Camera Control Centre installed on the bridge.
Umahi stated that introducing tolling on the bridge was neither practical nor appropriate, pointing to structural limitations and traffic management concerns.
“We will not engage in any form of tolling on this bridge because it will involve construction activities that could introduce additional static load on the structure,” he said.
He further explained that the bridge’s setting within a heavily populated urban environment makes tolling unsuitable, as it would likely worsen traffic flow and create avoidable operational difficulties.
“The bridge is within the city, and tolling it will introduce unnecessary bottlenecks. That is why we are not tolling the Third Mainland Bridge,” Umahi added.
Speaking on security measures, the minister disclosed that oversight of the bridge has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, assuring commuters of rapid emergency response across the 11-kilometre stretch.
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“We are allowing the police to do the needful. There will be a response time of about five minutes,” he said.
Umahi also revealed that key emergency resources, including tow trucks and ambulances, would be permanently positioned on the bridge to ensure quick intervention when incidents occur.
He emphasised that the government’s focus remains on guaranteeing safe and seamless movement for motorists, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of enhancing the well-being of Nigerians.
“We want life to be very smooth and sweet for Nigerians; that is what President Bola Tinubu stands for,” the minister stated.