Independence Bridge Reopens as Minister Umahi Commends Overnight Repairs
After days of heavy gridlock and frustration for commuters, the Independence Bridge in Lagos has officially reopened to traffic. The announcement was made Friday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a press briefing in the city.
Umahi praised the swift efforts of the contractors who worked through the night to restore access, noting that the bridge is now safe for use. However, he emphasized that this reopening is temporary, as permanent rehabilitation work is set to begin in three weeks.
“I commend the engineers and workers who toiled overnight to make this possible,” Umahi said. “We understand how critical this bridge is to the daily flow of traffic in Lagos, especially around Victoria Island.”
The closure, which began earlier in the week, caused severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters and motorists stranded for hours in the bustling commercial district.
Earlier on Monday, Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, had announced the bridge’s closure for essential maintenance and projected it would remain inaccessible until the end of May. The sudden congestion underscored the bridge’s importance to the city’s transport network.
With the bridge temporarily reopened, Lagosians can expect some relief—at least for now—as the Ministry of Works prepares for the next phase of repairs.
