BREAKING: Umahi Reopens Independence Bridge in Lagos, Vows Permanent Repairs Within Weeks

The Federal Ministry of Works has reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos after a two-day closure for emergency maintenance, which triggered severe traffic gridlock and public outrage across the city.

Minister of Works David Umahi announced the reopening during an inspection visit on Friday, pledging that comprehensive rehabilitation of the critical infrastructure would begin within three weeks.

“The permanent repair work will commence soon. We apologize for the inconvenience and assure Lagosians that this vital link will be restored to optimal condition,” Umahi told journalists at the site.

Traffic Chaos Sparks Fury

The abrupt closure of the bridge—a major artery connecting Victoria Island to mainland Lagos—left thousands of commuters stranded in hours-long traffic jams, with many abandoning vehicles and trekking to their destinations.

• Social media outcry: Residents flooded X (formerly Twitter) with videos of gridlocked roads, blaming authorities for poor contingency planning.
• Absence of traffic control: Motorists criticized the lack of coordination between the Federal Government and Lagos State agencies, noting the near-zero presence of LASTMA, FRSC, or traffic wardens to manage alternative routes.
• Economic disruption: Businesses reported losses as employees and goods were delayed, while transporters hiked fares by over 200%.

Lessons Learned, Says Umahi

The minister acknowledged the backlash, admitting that the ministry underestimated the bridge’s immediate impact on Lagos’ mobility.

“We’ve taken note of the public’s reaction. This experience will guide better planning for future interventions,” he said.

Why the Bridge Matters

The Independence Bridge serves as a lifeline for commercial and private movement in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. Its closure exposed the fragility of the metropolis’ transport network, with adjoining routes like the Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge overwhelmed by diverted traffic.

Next Steps

• Permanent repairs: Contractors will mobilize in three weeks to address structural defects.
• Stakeholder engagement: The ministry vowed to collaborate with Lagos State to minimize disruptions during future projects.

Background: The bridge was last rehabilitated in 2018, but wear from heavy traffic and flooding has necessitated urgent attention.