The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has confirmed that rehabilitation work on the Independence Bridge in Lagos will begin in three weeks. This comes after the bridge was temporarily closed, causing a significant traffic gridlock that affected commuters for several days.
Umahi addressed the media during an inspection of the bridge site, stating that, while the permanent repairs are yet to begin, palliative measures have been put in place to ensure the bridge is safe for public use in the meantime. The Independence Bridge, a key route connecting Victoria Island to other parts of Lagos, had been shut down earlier this week by the Federal Ministry of Works for urgent maintenance. The closure resulted in severe traffic congestion, with many commuters trapped in the gridlock for hours and, in some cases, overnight.
In response to the challenges caused by the closure, Umahi directed that the bridge be reopened immediately. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents and apologized for the disruption. “There will be punitive measures to serve as a deterrent to other controllers across the country,” Umahi noted, stressing that future road and bridge closures would be more carefully managed to avoid such inconveniences.
