On Monday, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, announced that the Independence Bridge would be closed until May 2025 for structural rehabilitation. The closure affected traffic from Ahmadu Bello Way, Adeola Odeku, and Marina routes, causing massive congestion across Lagos Island, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi.
Heavy traffic began Wednesday and spilled into early Thursday, worsened by rainfall and poor traffic management. Many commuters were stuck for hours, with some resorting to trekking or using ferries.
Tragic Incidents:
- A septuagenarian fell into a manhole while walking due to traffic-related stress.
- A 7-year-old boy reportedly died en route to a hospital after his vehicle was trapped in traffic.
- Another commuter suffered ulcer complications after being stuck for nearly 12 hours without food.
Frustrated Lagosians took to social media to share their ordeal:
- One commuter said they got home at 2 AM and had to be up again by 5 AM.
- Another complained of spending over four hours in traffic, calling it “a normal Lagos reality.”
TV anchor Rufai Oseni and others criticized the poor planning behind the closure, highlighting the lack of adequate alternatives and emergency measures.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the site on Thursday, apologized for the chaos, and assured the public of measures like:
- Clean-up of alternative routes
- Deployment of more traffic officers
- Encouragement of remote work
Meanwhile, Minister of Works Dave Umahi expressed displeasure, stating he wasn’t informed of the closure. He emphasized that such decisions require ministerial approval and warned that those responsible would face disciplinary action.
Kesha confirmed that remedial work is underway to reopen the bridge partially, but a specific reopening date remains uncertain.
