Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly apologized to Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion/gridlock caused by the repair work on the Independence Bridge. The unexpected gridlock, which left thousands stranded between Wednesday evening and early Thursday, sparked public outrage and widespread frustration among commuters.
Social media was flooded with videos and photos showing stranded passengers and long lines of vehicles stuck in traffic. The situation quickly gained attention, prompting the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to order the immediate reopening of the bridge to ease congestion. However, Sanwo-Olu has insisted that the repairs were necessary to prevent a potential disaster and ensure the long-term safety of road users.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday during a visit to the site, the governor expressed regret over the difficulties experienced by commuters. He acknowledged that better communication should have been provided to prepare residents for the impact of the repair work.
“First, I think what is appropriate is really to first tender apologies to all our citizens and to all Lagosians for the very, very difficult, erroneous practices that we experienced in the last 24 hours in the city and within the island of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I think this apology is important so that we can take full responsibility as a government, both at the national and sub-national levels, for just taking our people through an unfortunate incident. It was all well intended, it was all for good causes, and it was all for us to avert a future disaster that was waiting to happen.”
The governor reassured residents that the repair work was initiated for their safety. He emphasized that the Independence Bridge, being one of the oldest bridges in the country, required urgent maintenance to preserve its structural integrity.
“It was all for a good cause, it is all to avert future disaster waiting to happen. You know how life is — there is never a best time for you to do all you want to do, there will always be challenges even if you think it is the best time,” he stated.
Gridlock Persists Despite Federal Directive to Reopen Lagos Independence Bridge
He further revealed that the contract for the bridge’s renovation had been signed over three years ago, and the delay in its execution had only increased the urgency of the project. The governor assured residents that efforts were being made to complete the work as quickly as possible while minimizing inconvenience.
Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagosians to adjust their movement and work schedules accordingly during the period of the repairs. He advised those without urgent business in Victoria Island to conduct meetings virtually to avoid unnecessary travel and further congestion.
“If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the next two to three weeks, conduct your business via social media, telephone, Zoom meetings, online meetings, let’s plan,” he advised. “If you don’t need to come and visit somebody here, you don’t have to come.”
During his visit to the site, the governor was accompanied by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and other top government officials. The construction company handling the project, Buildwell Construction, also provided updates on the progress of the repair work.
Lagosians have had mixed reactions to the governor’s apology. While some appreciated his acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused, others felt the government should have done a better job at planning and communicating the road closure.
One commuter, Adewale Ojo, shared his frustration: “I spent over four hours in traffic trying to get home. There was no warning, no information. If we had known earlier, we could have planned ahead.”
Another resident, Mrs. Funmi Adebayo, expressed a more understanding view: “I appreciate that the governor came out to apologize. These repairs are necessary, but the government should improve communication in the future.”
