The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos after its temporary closure for maintenance, which had sparked public outrage and caused severe traffic disruption across the city.
During a visit to the site, Umahi addressed journalists, expressing his awareness of the inconvenience caused by the closure. He assured Lagos residents that permanent repair work on the bridge would commence within the next three weeks.
Acknowledging the strategic importance of the Independence Bridge, which connects Victoria Island to other key areas of Lagos, Umahi apologised for the difficulties faced by commuters and motorists during the period of closure.
The reopening of the bridge comes after two days of intense traffic congestion, leaving commuters frustrated and stranded for hours. The situation led to public outcry, with many describing the ordeal as a “nightmare.” The temporary shutdown had caused adjoining roads to be heavily congested, disrupting daily activities across the metropolis.
Recall, how on Wednesday, the lack of proper traffic management and alternative routes during the bridge closure left many Lagosians in distress. Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), was flooded with complaints, with residents expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of traffic control agencies at critical points around Victoria Island.
Motorists criticised both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for what they described as poor planning and coordination. Many particularly noted the lack of presence from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and traffic wardens to help manage the gridlock.
Responding to the concerns, Umahi noted that the Ministry of Works had taken note of the public reaction, emphasising that lessons learned from this experience would guide better planning for future 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,” the minister stated.
