The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has issued a directive for the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Victoria Island, Lagos.
This decision comes in response to mounting concerns over severe traffic congestion that arose following the bridge’s closure.
The Independence Bridge was initially closed on March 19, 2025, to undergo emergency repairs. Authorities had announced that the restoration process would extend until May 26, 2025. However, after reassessing the situation, Minister Umahi has mandated that the bridge be reopened ahead of schedule to help restore smoother vehicular movement in the affected area.
The closure of the bridge had caused significant gridlock, greatly impacting commuters and businesses within Lagos. Motorists were forced to use alternative routes, which became heavily congested, leading to long travel times and frustration among road users.
By reopening the bridge, the government aims to alleviate the traffic pressure that has disrupted daily activities and affected the flow of commerce in Victoria Island and its environs. The move is expected to significantly enhance connectivity within the city, offering much-needed relief to residents and businesses alike.
Minister Umahi emphasized that the decision to reopen the bridge was made after consultations with relevant stakeholders and engineers.
“The welfare of the public remains a priority, and we understand the inconvenience caused by the prolonged closure. The early reopening is essential to ease the hardship experienced by road users,” he stated.
Umahi also assured the public that while the bridge will reopen for use, maintenance work will continue without obstructing traffic flow. He commended the engineers for their efforts in expediting the repair process and called for cooperation from commuters as the final touches to the project are completed.
