Works Minister orders immediate reopening of Independence Bridge after hours of gridlock

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge on Victoria Island, Lagos, following massive gridlock caused by its closure.

Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, initially shut down the bridge on Monday to allow for critical maintenance and rehabilitation. The closure, expected to last until the end of May, severely impacted traffic flow, particularly for motorists travelling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan.

However, the decision quickly led to a traffic nightmare, with commuters stuck in congestion for over four hours. The disruption triggered widespread frustration among road users, prompting the minister to intervene.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Umahi directed the immediate reopening of the bridge, assuring the public that necessary repairs would be carried out later. He also announced that palliative measures were already in progress to ensure the bridge remains motorable.

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Expressing regret over the inconvenience caused, Umahi appealed for public understanding and cooperation as the government works to improve infrastructure across the city.