Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to constructing the Fourth Mainland Bridge, saying the project would proceed through a public-private partnership.
Dr Hamzat, who is the 2027 All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, said the state could not finance the bridge alone, alongside major rail projects, but discussions were ongoing with prospective investors.
He said the project had been designed and its cost assessed, and that private-sector professionals had been engaged to support negotiations and other aspects of its development.
Dr Hamzat spoke during a Radio Lagos Breakfast Show, Ojutaye, Lagos Television Show, The Conversation, and Lagos Traffic Radio Live Chat in Agidingbi Ikeja.
He stated that the state had received interest from investors in Portugal, China, and elsewhere, and was confident that partnerships with them would provide a financing model for the project.
He explained that the government was avoiding excessive borrowing to finance the bridge because of the potential pressure it could place on the state s finances.
Hamzat explained that the government was avoiding excessive borrowing to finance the bridge because of the potential pressure it could place on the state’s finances.
According to Hamzat, some prospective investors had expressed concerns about road users’ reluctance to pay tolls, particularly where toll collection had been discontinued.
He said the government was presenting traffic data and other relevant information to investors to demonstrate the project’s viability and the demand for improved infrastructure in Lagos.
Hamzat added that the government needed to address investors’ concerns and convince them that investing in major infrastructure projects in the state would be worthwhile.
The Fourth Mainland Bridge is a proposed major road project intended to improve connectivity across Lagos and provide an alternative route to ease pressure on existing roads.
The APC Governorship Candidate, promised to strengthen Lagos’ integrated transportation system to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time if elected governor.
Hamzat said his transportation plan would integrate road, rail and waterways to provide commuters with more efficient travel options.
He explained that the state’s transportation blueprint is designed to improve mobility, reduce pressure on roads and connect different modes of transportation, stressing that an efficient transport system is essential to the growth of other sectors, including housing, education, business and youth development.
According to him, addressing traffic congestion requires more than expanding road infrastructure, stressing the importance of providing commuters with reliable alternatives and improving coordination of transport services across the state.
The Deputy Governor pledged to complete the Blue Line extension to Okokomaiko and link it with the Red Line at the National Theatre, Iganmu, to improve connectivity.
He said the connection would enable commuters travelling from areas such as Yaba and Agege to reach Marina more conveniently, while residents along the Okokomaiko corridor, including students of Lagos State University (LASU), would benefit from improved rail access.
On water transportation, Hamzat said the Omi-Eko project would provide seven electric ferries, five of which have been delivered, to expand commuting options for residents.
“Lagos is a water state, and as such, we must utilise the lagoon as a network of water routes so that at least we can move a lot of our people on water as we are moving on roads, and of course now on rail,” he said.
Hamzat also stressed the need for improved traffic management, particularly during accidents and road repairs, noting that security operatives must respond promptly to incidents to prevent severe congestion.
He attributed the challenge partly to Lagos’ high vehicular density and called for better organisation, planning and traffic management.
He said his proposed approach would focus on connecting transport systems, improving commuter access and reducing travel delays, thereby supporting productivity and economic growth across the state.
Hamzat said if elected his administration would encourage mortgages to address the housing deficit in the state.
He noted that the issue of housing cannot be addressed without facing the issue of transportation, saying his administration would engage more youth and mentor them into the position of Authority
Speaking on his advantage over other candidates, Dr. Hamzat said he has the experience needed to govern the state, noting that Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria and as such it cannot be used as an experiment.
Hamzat said if elected, his administration would ensure transparency and create the avenue for citizens to measure performances.
