In a significant development on Wednesday night, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, issued an immediate directive to reopen the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic. This decision comes after the bridge, which had been closed for essential repairs, caused an overwhelming disruption in the flow of traffic around the city.
Originally, the closure was planned to begin on April 1 and last until the end of May 2025. The maintenance work was meant to ensure that the bridge remained safe and functional for future use. However, the initial closure of the Independence Bridge resulted in severe traffic congestion across major routes, including those in Victoria Island and surrounding areas. The gridlock was so intense that it brought the city’s traffic system to a standstill, affecting thousands of commuters.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, had initially explained that the closure was necessary to carry out essential maintenance and repairs on the bridge, which is a crucial route connecting parts of the city. However, after facing public backlash and witnessing the massive gridlock that followed, the Federal Ministry of Works issued a statement clarifying that the planned maintenance would be rescheduled, with the immediate reopening of the bridge in place of the original schedule.
During the closure, traffic was backed up for hours, stretching as far as Lekki, Victoria Island, and the Falomo Bridge, all the way toward the mainland. Some of the busiest roads in the city, such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Adeola Odeku, and the Marina-bound route, experienced the heaviest delays. Commuters found themselves trapped in long queues for extended periods of time, significantly affecting their daily routines and causing widespread frustration.
In a statement issued after the reopening, Kesha expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused to commuters and the general public, offering apologies for the gridlock and assuring citizens that the Federal Ministry of Works would provide advanced notice for any future maintenance plans. She also appealed to the public for patience and understanding, as such large-scale repairs are often crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and durability of important infrastructure like the Independence Bridge.