By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FEW HOURS after the Federal Government’s directive that works on Independence Bridge in Lagos should be suspended; the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has redirected that repair work must continue due to structural safety concerns.
The Governor attributed Wednesday’s severe gridlock across the city to inadequate communication by relevant authorities following the closure of the Independence Bridge for rehabilitation.
Earlier on Thursday, directive had issued from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to suspend the closure to ease traffic.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge, accompanied by cabinet members and senior Federal Ministry of Works officials, the governor appealed for public patience, assuring that measures are being taken to ease traffic congestion.
Acknowledging the hardship faced by Lagos commuters, Sanwo-Olu admitted that a lack of clear information contributed to the traffic chaos.
“Because of inadequate communication—and I take full responsibility—people were not adequately informed. Communication is key; it helps people plan alternative routes and make better decisions,” he stated.
To mitigate congestion, he announced that additional Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers will be deployed to manage traffic, working late into the night to facilitate smoother movement.
Sanwo-Olu also noted that the Minister of Works’ directive to reopen the bridge, would be properly addressed, warning of the grave consequences of delaying essential repairs.
“With all due respect to the Minister, Senator Umahi, we are the ones on the ground. This bridge has had structural issues for over three years. If we attempt to reopen it now, without completing the repairs, it could collapse, leading to a major disaster,” he warned.
Significant excavation work has already been carried out, making an immediate reopening impossible.
“A bridge is not a place where you can just pour sand and expect vehicles to pass over it. If it caves in and cars plunge into the water, the same government will be blamed,” he added.
The governor assured Lagosians that the government is actively working to ease traffic congestion but urged residents to be patient.
“There is never a perfect time to fix a problem like this. Any time we do it, there will be discomfort. But let’s work together to get through it and come out stronger,” he stated.
He advised residents to adjust their commuting habits while repairs are ongoing. “If you don’t have urgent business on Victoria Island in the next two to three weeks, consider working from home, using telephone or Zoom meetings, and planning ahead,” he recommended.
During the assessment, Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by Lagos State Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso, and LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated that all necessary traffic management measures will be deployed to ease movement. “For those who must commute, alternative routes will be made available, with LASTMA officials managing traffic flow to reduce congestion,” he assured.
The Federal Ministry of Works had previously announced that the Independence Bridge would remain closed from April 1 to May 31, 2025, as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure in the state. However, Works Minister Umahi later ordered an immediate reopening, creating confusion among road users.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to stay informed through LASTMA’s official channels for real-time traffic updates and alternative route advisories.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the closure, he emphasised that safety remains the government’s top priority.
