Nigeria’s Minister of Works David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge on Victoria Island, Lagos, following widespread traffic disruptions caused by its sudden closure for maintenance. The bridge had been closed earlier this week for essential repairs and rehabilitation works, with plans to keep it shut until the end of May.
Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, announced the closure on Monday, stating that it would affect traffic flow from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku toward Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2. However, the closure led to severe gridlock, with many motorists getting stuck in traffic for over four hours.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, Minister Umahi expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the closure and assured the public that the necessary repairs on the bridge would be carried out at a later date. He added that palliative works were being implemented to ensure that the bridge remains motorable during this period.
“I deeply regret the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the bridge closure, and I appeal for understanding and cooperation as we work to resolve the issues,” Umahi said. He emphasized that while the rehabilitation would proceed in due course, immediate measures were being taken to minimize further disruptions.
The swift reopening of the Independence Bridge is expected to ease traffic in the area, offering some relief to motorists who had been impacted by the sudden closure.
