On Friday, Minister of Works, David Umahi, officially reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos, which had been closed for maintenance. The temporary closure of the bridge had led to significant public outcry and widespread traffic chaos, with commuters and motorists experiencing long delays across the city.
During his visit to the site, Umahi acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the bridge’s closure, which links Victoria Island to key parts of Lagos. He apologized for the disruption and assured residents that permanent repair work on the bridge would begin within the next three weeks.
The closure, which lasted for two days, led to intense gridlock, frustrating many Lagosians. Commuters were left stranded for hours, with roads around Victoria Island, in particular, brought to a standstill. The lack of proper traffic management and alternative routes added to the distress.
Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), was flooded with complaints from residents who criticized the absence of traffic control agencies such as LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at critical points around the affected areas. Motorists also expressed their dissatisfaction with the Federal and Lagos State governments, accusing them of poor planning and lack of coordination.
In response, Umahi acknowledged the negative feedback and assured the public that the lessons learned from this incident would guide future planning for similar infrastructure projects. “We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working to ensure that permanent work begins in three weeks to restore and improve this vital bridge,” Umahi said.
The Independence Bridge is a crucial component of Lagos’s road network, serving as a major gateway for both private and commercial transportation within the city. The reopening is seen as a temporary relief, but the need for ongoing repairs remains a top priority for the government to prevent further disruptions.
