Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has given his assurance that property owners affected by the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge will be duly compensated. Speaking at the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting, held at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu confirmed that the construction of the bridge is set to commence in the first quarter of 2024, most likely by the end of March or April.
The governor emphasized that the construction of the bridge would be carried out in phases, with extensive preparatory work already completed. He acknowledged that some buildings along existing corridors would be affected, but he assured landlords and tenants that they would receive full compensation for any disruption caused by the project. Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the inconvenience that might arise from the construction but emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is unfairly disadvantaged.
Regarding the timeline for the bridge construction, Sanwo-Olu stated, “We have made significant progress in our preparations for the bridge. However, we are currently at a critical juncture in securing the necessary financing for such a project. We will need to explore innovative solutions. Nonetheless, we are grateful to have reached the final stages of the construction planning. Our goal is to break ground and commence construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge within the first quarter, by the end of March or April.”
The Fourth Mainland Bridge, a 38-kilometer-long project initiated by the Lagos State Government, aims to connect Lagos Island to Langbasa (Lekki) and Baiyeku (Ikorodu) across the Lagos Lagoon, ultimately reaching Itamaga in Ikorodu. This bridge will consist of a 2 x 4 lane carriageway, including a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit Lane, with provisions for future road expansion.
In addition to the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Governor Sanwo-Olu also highlighted another major transportation project—the unveiling of the Lagos Red Line rail in February. He revealed that an official invitation has been extended to President Bola Tinubu to preside over the unveiling ceremony. The Red Line rail, spanning 37 kilometers from Agbado to Marina, will feature 13 stations, including Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute Metta, Iddo, Ebute Ero, and Marina.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to compensating affected individuals and his update on the progress of the Fourth Mainland Bridge construction demonstrate the government’s dedication to improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Lagos State.