Traffic congestion on Lagos Island showed no signs of easing on Thursday despite the Federal Government’s directive for the immediate reopening of Independence Bridge, Mekwen.
Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, had ordered the reopening on Wednesday following widespread complaints about the gridlock caused by the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge. However, as of Thursday morning, the bridge remained closed, with frustrated motorists trapped in hours-long standstills.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, who is the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, confirmed that the bridge could not yet be reopened due to critical repairs on a damaged section. She emphasised that the closure, which began on April 1, was still scheduled to last until the end of May.
Read also: Independence Bridge repair: LASTMA lists alternative routes amid gridlock
“The closure affects traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to reduce congestion,” Kesha said, apologising for the inconvenience.
Government urges patience, suggests alternative routes
The Lagos State Government urged motorists without urgent business on the Island to avoid the affected areas and use alternative routes, including:
For motorists heading to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road.
For those heading to Third Mainland Bridge: Take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Alfred Rewane Road, Osborne Road, and Ring Road.
For access to Inner Marina and CMS: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, Obafemi Awolowo Road, and J.K. Randle Road.
Read also: Nigerian government orders reopening of Independence Bridge
Despite these measures, many road users expressed frustration over the lack of visible traffic enforcement to manage the congestion.
“This is beyond frustrating. We need LASTMA officials actively directing traffic. Right now, it’s just every man for himself,” said a commercial driver.
With no immediate solution in sight, Lagosians are bracing for prolonged traffic disruptions as the bridge rehabilitation continues.
