After hours of gridlock that left millions of commuters stranded, the Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos.
The Federal Ministry of Works, in a statement issued by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, O. I. Kesha, confirmed that Minister of Works, David Umahi, directed the reopening of the bridge to vehicular traffic.
“This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works,” the statement read. “Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure palliative works are carried out on the already opened bridge to make it motorable.”
The sudden closure of the bridge had triggered massive traffic congestion across the state, sparking frustration among motorists and commuters. Social media was flooded with complaints, with many expressing anger over the timing and lack of alternative routes.
Acknowledging the inconvenience, the Ministry of Works apologized for the disruption and assured the public that necessary repairs would be conducted at a later time.
The reopening of the Independence Bridge is expected to bring relief to Lagosians, but concerns remain over the long-term maintenance of critical infrastructure in the nation’s economic hub.
