By Deborah Nnamdi
On Friday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, officially reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos, which had been closed for maintenance, causing significant public frustration and traffic disruptions throughout the city.
During a site visit, Umahi assured the public that permanent repairs on the bridge would begin within the next three weeks.
He recognized the bridge’s crucial role in connecting Victoria Island to other major areas of Lagos and apologized for the inconvenience caused by its temporary closure.
The reopening follows two days of severe traffic jams, with commuters and drivers voicing their dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate traffic management and alternative routes during the closure.
Naija Daily News reported how frustrated Lagosians were stranded for hours in traffic, with many describing the situation as a “nightmare.” The closure brought adjoining roads to a standstill, severely impacting daily activities in the bustling metropolis.
Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with complaints from residents who decried the absence of traffic control agencies at critical points around Victoria Island.
Motorists criticized both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for what they described as poor planning and coordination, with users particularly highlighting the lack of presence from LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and traffic wardens to ease the congestion.
Umahi said the ministry has taken note of the public reaction and emphasized that lessons learned from this incident would inform better planning for future infrastructure interventions.
“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.
The Independence Bridge is a critical component of Lagos’s road network, serving as a major gateway for both private and commercial transportation within the city.
