Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has attributed the severe traffic gridlock on Wednesday to inadequate communication from relevant authorities. Despite a directive from Minister of Works, David Umahi, to suspend the closure of the Independence Bridge for repairs, Sanwo-Olu clarified that the rehabilitation work must continue due to safety concerns.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge on Thursday, accompanied by his cabinet members and senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, the governor appealed for public patience, assuring that measures are being implemented to alleviate the traffic congestion.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the difficulty faced by commuters, admitting that a lack of clear communication contributed to the chaos. “Because of inadequate communication — and I take full responsibility — people were not adequately informed. Communication is key; it helps people plan alternative routes and make better decisions,” he stated.
He urged Lagos residents to adjust their commuting habits while the repairs continue, suggesting, “If you don’t have urgent business on Victoria Island in the next two to three weeks, consider working from home, using telephone or Zoom meetings, and planning ahead.”
To manage the situation better, he announced that additional Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers will be deployed to manage traffic, working late into the night to ensure smoother movement.
Sanwo-Olu also responded to the Minister of Works’ directive to reopen the bridge, emphasizing the danger of rushing the repairs. He explained, “Significant excavation work has already been done on the bridge, making an immediate reopening impossible. A bridge is not a place where you can just pour sand and expect vehicles to pass over it. If it caves in and cars plunge into the water, the same government will be blamed.”
The governor reassured Lagosians that the government is working diligently to ease the traffic situation but asked for patience. “There is never a perfect time to fix a problem like this. Any time we do it, there will be discomfort. But let’s work together to get through it and come out stronger,” he concluded, reaffirming that safety remains the highest priority.
