The chaos on Lagos Island continues as motorists face unyielding gridlock despite the Federal Government’s directive to reopen the Lagos Independence Bridge. Late Thursday morning, residents and commuters alike were left stranded, their hopes for a swift resolution dashed by the reality of ongoing repairs. The situation remains tense as the much-needed maintenance work on the Independence Bridge drags on, and frustration mounts among daily road users.
Earlier in the week, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi had ordered the immediate reopening of the Lagos Independence Bridge following a surge of complaints from residents and business operators. These pleas came in response to widespread traffic congestion that had been exacerbated by planned maintenance and rehabilitation works. Yet, despite this directive, the much-anticipated relief has not materialized. Motorists continued to experience severe delays, with many reporting hours of stuck traffic as they attempted to navigate the affected routes.
The root of the problem lies in the ongoing rehabilitation work on a crucial section of the bridge that has been cut off and urgently requires repairs. According to Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, these repairs are essential to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the Lagos Independence Bridge. The bridge, which has been closed since April 1, 2025, is now scheduled to remain out of service until the end of May. Despite the government’s best intentions, the necessary structural repairs have proven to be a significant hurdle in restoring normal traffic flow.
As the day unfolded, the impact of the bridge’s closure became increasingly apparent. Thousands of motorists found themselves stuck in gridlock, with some even forced to sleep in their vehicles or at their workplaces as they waited for any semblance of movement. The traffic buildup, stretching from Lekki and Victoria Island all the way towards the Mainland, has created an environment of mounting frustration. The prolonged delays have not only disrupted personal schedules but have also had a negative ripple effect on local businesses that depend on timely deliveries and efficient transportation.
Lagos Independence Bridge
Desperate to find alternative means of reaching their destinations, many commuters turned to ferry transportation. The Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu, a key point for waterborne travel, experienced a surge in passenger traffic as individuals sought to bypass the congestion on the roads. However, the relief provided by this alternative was short-lived. A fire outbreak later in the day led to the gutted remains of a LAGFERRY boat, causing injuries to nine passengers who were subsequently rushed to the hospital. Although no fatalities were reported, the incident further compounded the day’s misfortunes and underscored the challenges facing Lagos Island’s transport network.
Adding to the woes, many road users criticized the apparent lack of traffic management during the crisis. Frustrated drivers recounted their ordeals, highlighting the absence of effective intervention from traffic enforcement agencies. Akinwale Odebiyi described spending six excruciating hours traveling from Ojodu Berger to Victoria Island, only to face another lengthy journey on the return trip without any signs of assistance from traffic officials. Another motorist, Nosa John, recounted how his wife’s journey for a burial from Agege to Ajah turned into an overnight ordeal, leaving her stranded on the road and arriving much later than expected. Remi Ojulari expressed bewilderment at the apparent inaction of LASTMA officials, whose absence contributed significantly to the prolonged delays.
In light of the persistent gridlock, government authorities have urged motorists to explore alternative routes to mitigate the traffic chaos. For those traveling to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way, suggested paths include using Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road. Similarly, drivers heading towards Third Mainland Bridge or the Inner Marina have been advised to follow designated alternative roads that bypass the problematic area. Despite these recommendations, the widespread inconvenience and the scale of the disruption have left many questioning whether the alternatives can truly ease the pressure on the Independence Bridge corridor.
The ongoing repairs at the Lagos Independence bridge and the continued gridlock serve as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in maintaining critical infrastructure. The Lagos Independence Bridge, once a symbol of connectivity and progress for Lagos Island, now stands as a painful testament to the difficulties inherent in urban maintenance and the unforeseen consequences of necessary repairs. While the directive to reopen the bridge was intended to alleviate congestion, the structural issues have proven too significant to overlook, forcing authorities to prioritize safety over immediate convenience.
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Residents and commuters remain caught between the need for a safe, reliable bridge and the daily realities of extended travel times and disrupted routines. The economic implications are also far-reaching, as delays have led to lost productivity and increased operational costs for businesses that rely on timely transport. The frustration expressed by those affected is palpable, and there is a growing chorus of voices urging the government to expedite repairs while also ensuring that effective traffic management measures are in place.
The day’s events have also sparked wider discussions about the state of infrastructure management in the region. As the authorities work tirelessly to restore full functionality to the Lagos Independence Bridge, there is an urgent need for long-term strategies that address not only immediate repair work but also the broader challenges of urban mobility in Lagos.
