To ease traffic, Lagos’ Independence Bridge opens again – Minister

David Umahi

To ease traffic, Lagos’ Independence Bridge opens again – Minister

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos State.

Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, stated this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday.

The minister stated that permanent work on the bridge will commence in three weeks.

He acknowledged the importance of the bridge, which links Victoria Island to other key parts of Lagos, and apologised for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.

Umahi said the ministry has taken note of the public reaction and emphasised that lessons learned from this incident would inform better planning for future infrastructure interventions.

“We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working to ensure that permanent work begins in three weeks to restore and improve this vital bridge,” Umahi stated.

Recall that the Federal Government had announced plans to close the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) in Lagos State for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

It said the bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025.

However, on Wednesday night, social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with complaints from Lagosians, who were stuck in traffic for hours and decried the absence of traffic control agencies at critical points around Victoria Island.

Follow the development, the minister ordered the reopening of the bridge following the massive traffic gridlock that enveloped the Ikoyi area of Lagos on Wednesday.