Bridge Closure: Gridlock persists in Lagos despite FG’s reopening order

 

Despite the Federal Government’s directive for the immediate reopening of the Independence/Mekwen Bridge, gridlock persisted in Lagos Island on Thursday as the bridge remained closed.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had ordered the reopening on Wednesday following widespread complaints about traffic congestion caused by the planned maintenance and rehabilitation of the bridge.

However, as of Thursday morning, traffic remained chaotic, with motorists stranded for hours, while some commuters resorted to ferry transport to avoid the gridlock.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, confirmed that rehabilitation work is still ongoing, particularly on a section of the bridge that has been cut off and requires urgent repairs before it can be reopened.

She reiterated that the bridge’s closure, which began on April 1, 2025, is scheduled to last until the end of May.

“The closure affects traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid congestion,” Kesha said.

She apologized for the inconvenience, assuring residents that the repairs are necessary for the safety and stability of the bridge.

Many motorists and commuters spent hours trapped in gridlock, with some forced to sleep on the road or in their offices. By 6 a.m. Thursday, the traffic had already built up from Lekki and Victoria Island towards the Mainland.