The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has traveled to Lagos to assess the ongoing repairs on the Independence Bridge and address the severe traffic congestion caused by its temporary closure.
The bridge, which had been shut down for maintenance due to structural issues, was reopened on Umahi’s orders after the traffic situation worsened. His decision followed complaints from Lagos residents who were experiencing long hours of gridlock due to the closure.
A statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, confirmed the minister’s arrival in Lagos. The statement noted, “Less than 24 hours after the sad traffic experience on the Independence Bridge in Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON, has arrived in Lagos to assess the situation with a view to providing immediate and permanent intervention.”
The statement further noted that Umahi had directed the reopening of the bridge on April 2, 2025, in response to the difficulties faced by commuters.
Lagos State’s Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorode Kesha, explained that although the bridge had been reopened, repair work was still ongoing to ensure its safety.
“The minister has directed me to open the bridge. However, we are carrying out remedial measures because some parts of the bridge had already been broken during repairs,” Kesha said in a telephone interview.
He added, “We are working overnight to fix the affected sections. The damage is extensive, but all hands are on deck to ensure the bridge is open to traffic as soon as possible.”
