Lagosians endured hours of grueling gridlock yesterday as repair work on the aging Independence Bridge at Bonny Camp brought traffic on Lagos Island to a standstill, sparking widespread frustration among commuters and businesses.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu this morning visited the site to assess the ongoing repairs, which are being handled by the Federal Ministry of Works. In a heartfelt statement, he apologised for the severe disruption, acknowledging the hardship faced by residents.
“I sincerely apologise to all Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced yesterday,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I understand the frustration, delays, and disruption this has caused in your daily lives. As someone who also moves through this city, I feel your pain.”
The governor explained that the repairs, planned for over three years, were necessary to prevent a potential collapse of the bridge. “The structural integrity had deteriorated, and further delay would have risked lives,” he stated.
However, the sudden impact on traffic left many stranded for hours, with major routes including Ahmadu Bello Way, Ozumba Mbadiwe, and surrounding areas completely paralyzed. Commercial bus drivers hiked fares, while some workers abandoned their vehicles and trekked long distances to their destinations.
In response, the state government has deployed additional LASTMA officials and security personnel to manage traffic flow. Sanwo-Olu also urged businesses to adopt flexible work policies, including remote and hybrid models, to reduce congestion.
“We must embrace innovative solutions to support our economy and quality of life,” he said, appealing for patience as repairs continue.
Lagosians, however, remain skeptical, with many calling for better coordination between state and federal agencies to minimize such disruptions in the future.
TheNewsMatrics reports that the Federal Minister of Works, David Umahi, had on Thursday issued a statement announcing that the bridge had been reopened when in fact an entire section had been removed pending replacement.
As the repairs progress, commuters brace for more delays, hoping for swift intervention to ease the city’s notorious traffic crisis.
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