The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos after massive traffic congestion left millions of commuters stranded for hours on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, O.I. Kesha, the minister ordered the bridge to be reopened to vehicles following its earlier closure for maintenance and rehabilitation.
David Umahi apologized for the inconvenience caused by the closure and urged the public to remain patient, assuring that full repairs on the bridge would be scheduled for a later date.
The statement reads, “PRESS RELEASE ON IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF INDEPENDENCE BRIDGE (AHMADU BELLO WAY-MARINA BOUND).
“The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.
“This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure palliative works are carried out on the already opened bridge to make it motorable .
“The Ministry hereby express regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.
“The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out at a later time.”
Watch the video below:
TRAFFIC PREDICTION COME TRUE! This morning, I spoke about the impending traffic chaos in Lagos, and now here is a Video proof! Independence bridge closure have brought our roads to a standstill #LagosTraffic #TrafficPrediction #Independencebridge #lagos pic.twitter.com/Sznp9bWqoy
— Bolanle GraceBoy (@bcot_graceboy) April 2, 2025