Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate suspension of repair works and the reopening of the Independence Bridge in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The order follows the chaotic traffic gridlock caused by the closure of the strategic bridge.
The bridge was earlier closed for a planned 6-week maintenance and rehabilitation. However, in a press statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry confirmed that while the bridge is now accessible to motorists, palliative works will continue to improve its condition.
The ministry expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the closure and appealed for public understanding. It also clarified that the full repair works on the bridge will be conducted at a later date.
The reopening comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain critical infrastructure in Lagos, a city heavily reliant on its road and bridge network for daily transportation.
Engr. (Mrs.) O. I. Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, signed the statement, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of key transport routes in the state.
The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out later.
The closure had led to a massive gridlock, affecting commuters and businesses in Lagos. Many were left stranded for upwards of 10 hours on Wednesday. The situation was made worse by an early morning heavy rain.
Some describe the traffic congestion as “the mother of all traffic” Lagosians have never seen anything like it. Not even the gridlock caused by the EndSARS protests comes anywhere close.
The reopening is expected to alleviate traffic pressure and enhance connectivity within the city. As short as the bridge is, it has proven to be extremely strategic to vehicular movement in the nation’s commercial capital.
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was earlier on Thursday morning, at the site to assess the situation.
