Nigeria is home to several remarkable bridges that play important roles in connecting cities, communities and different parts of the country. Beyond their impressive structures, these bridges make travelling easier, facilitate trade and provide essential links between regions separated by rivers and other waterways.
From the famous Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to the historic River Niger Bridge connecting Onitsha and Asaba, here are 10 notable bridges in Nigeria and the places they connect.
1. Third Mainland Bridge (Lagos State)
The Third Mainland Bridge, officially known as Ibrahim Babangida Bridge, is approximately 11.8 kilometres long. It is the longest bridge in Nigeria and one of the longest in West Africa.
Located in Lagos State, the bridge connects Oworonshoki on the Lagos Mainland to the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island. It also provides access to areas around Yaba through connecting ramps.
The bridge is an important route for commuters travelling between different parts of Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island.
2. Second Niger Bridge (Anambra and Delta States)
The Second Niger Bridge is a major infrastructure project built across the River Niger to provide an alternative route between Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State.
The bridge itself is approximately 1.6 kilometres long, with additional approach roads connecting it to the surrounding road network.
It provides an alternative to the older Niger Bridge and helps motorists travelling between the South-East, South-South and other parts of Nigeria.
3. River Niger Bridge (Onitsha–Asaba)
Also known as the First Niger Bridge, this historic bridge connects Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State.
Officially opened in 1965, it crosses the River Niger and serves as an important transportation route between the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.
For decades, the bridge has played a significant role in facilitating the movement of people, goods and commercial activities between both regions.
4. Makurdi Bridge (Benue State)
The Makurdi Bridge, popularly known as the Benue Bridge, crosses the River Benue in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
It provides an important connection between communities on opposite sides of the river and serves motorists travelling through Makurdi towards other parts of Benue State and neighbouring states.
The bridge is particularly important for transportation, commerce and movement within the region.
5. Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge (Lagos State)
The Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge is one of Lagos State’s most recognisable modern infrastructure projects.
Approximately 1.36 kilometres long, the cable-stayed bridge connects the Lekki Phase 1 area with Ikoyi, crossing Five Cowries Creek.
It provides an alternative route for motorists travelling between Lekki and Ikoyi without having to rely entirely on other connecting roads in Lagos.
It is also recognised as the first cable-stayed bridge in West Africa.
6. Eko Bridge (Lagos State)
Eko Bridge is one of the three major bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, alongside the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.
The bridge connects the Ijora area on the mainland to the Apongbon area of Lagos Island.
It is an important route for motorists travelling between Lagos Island, Iddo, Ijora and other surrounding areas.
7. Carter Bridge (Lagos State)
Carter Bridge is another historic bridge connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.
It begins around the Iddo area of the mainland and leads towards the Idumota area of Lagos Island.
Originally constructed in 1901 during the colonial era, the bridge was later dismantled and rebuilt in the late 1970s.
It remains an important transportation route for people travelling between the mainland and Lagos Island.
8. River Ogun Bridge (Lagos-Ibadan Expressway)
The River Ogun Bridge is located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an important highway connecting Lagos State with Ogun State and other parts of southwestern Nigeria.
The bridge crosses the River Ogun and forms part of the road network used by motorists travelling between Lagos and Ibadan.
The expressway is an important transportation corridor for commuters, businesses and commercial vehicles moving between both cities.
9. River Kaduna Bridge (Kaduna State)
The River Kaduna Bridge is located in Kaduna State and crosses the River Kaduna, providing an important transportation link for communities and motorists in the area.
The River Kaduna is one of the major rivers in northern Nigeria, and bridges across it play important roles in connecting settlements and facilitating movement within the state.
10. River Benin Bridge (Edo State)
The River Benin Bridge is included among the bridges associated with transportation routes in Edo State.
Bridges across waterways in the state contribute to road connectivity, helping motorists and residents access different communities and surrounding areas.
Nigeria’s bridges are more than just structures connecting two locations. They are important parts of the country’s transportation network, supporting businesses, tourism, trade and everyday movement.
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