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5 Longest Bridges in Nigeria
There are tons of bridges in Nigeria. This list will discuss the longest bridges in Nigeria some of which were constructed during the colonial period.
Nigeria being the most populated country in Africa has considerable number of bridges, some of which only connect a route within a state while others connect to another sate.
The longest bridges in Nigeria, also serves as some of the longest in Africa. In addition, some of this bridges that were constructed during the colonial period while others are constructed during various presidency tenure have served as a necessary need for the development of the country.
Bridge as a milestone are important to the development of any country, which will aid in the improvements of the trade and commerce and a source of tourist attraction as they hold significant story about the history of Nigeria. In this article, we will look at some of the top longest bridge in Nigeria.
1. Third Mainland Bridge
The third mainland bridge which is located in the subbup of Lagos state is the longest bridge in Nigeria. It measures about 11.8 km in length which is equivalent of 7.3 miles. Furthermore, the bridge which was commissioned by President Shehu Shagari during his short-term presidency in 1980 was completed by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990. Third mainland bridge connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, was the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when it was overtaken by the 6th October Bridge located in Cairo.
2. Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge
Lekki-Ikoyi bridge may not be as popular in name as the third mainland bridge but it is one of the most popular bridge in Nigeria in pictorial view. The bridge as become and iconic structure in Nigeria, even if the people do not know the name they are familiar with the image of the bridge. It was commissioned by the former governor of Lagos state, Babajide Raji Fashola on the 29th of May 2013. Lekki-Ikoyi bridge has a total calculated length of 1.36 kilometres which is less than a mile, making it one of the longest bridges in Nigeria. Additionally, it is the most photographed bridge and place in Lagos which attract tourist from all over as it connect Phase 1 area of Lekki, with Ikoyi district of Lagos.
3. River Niger Bridge
River Niger Bridge which is located in the south eastern region of Nigeria in Anambra State, it is also known as Onitsha Bridge or Head Bridge. The bridge spans a total length of 4,606 feet (1,404 m) as it connect the south to the eastern Nigeria. River Niger Bridge was constructed in 50s and was completed between 1964 t0 1965 and it was commissioned by Prime Minister Alhaji Tafawa Balewa in December of the same year. It connect Asaba to Onitsha and a total of 3 vehicular lane central carriageway.
4. Second Niger Bridge
The Second Niger Bridge is one of the longest bridge in Nigeria, spanning over a length of 1.63 km (1.01 mi). As you would guess, the bridge is located in Onitsha just directly opposite the River Niger Bridge with some kilometers between them. Construction of the Second Niger Bridge began in September 1, 2018 and it was opened to local traffic on December 15, 2022. Second Onitsha Bridge was completed under the administration of President Buhari presidency, a project which masterplan had been delivered during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
5. The Old Bridge Makurdi
The Old Bridge Makurdi is one of the oldest bridge in Nigeria. It was constructed in 1932, a project which kicked off 2 years prior. The bridge is one of the bridges in Nigeria that was constructed and commissioned by the British Empire by the then British colonial governor Donald Cemeron on 24 May 1932 . Makurdi was one the largest bridge in Africa at the time of construction, it span over half a mile, and the distance between the abutments is 2,584 feet (788 m) from each end. It is one of the longest bridges in Africa as well as one of the oldest.