Lagos Stands Firm on Independence Bridge Closure Despite Federal Directive
Lagos, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the continued closure of the Independence Bridge for critical repairs, overriding a federal directive to reopen the vital link, as commuters endure unprecedented gridlock across the metropolis.
Safety Over Convenience
During an inspection tour Thursday with Federal Works Ministry officials, Sanwo-Olu revealed alarming structural deficiencies that necessitated immediate intervention:
“This bridge has been compromised for three years. We’ve excavated compromised sections – you can’t just backfill and pretend it’s safe,” the governor stated, standing near exposed steel reinforcements. “If we reopen prematurely and vehicles plunge into the lagoon, the same critics will demand our heads.”
His stance directly contradicts Works Minister David Umahi’s Wednesday order to suspend the closure, setting up a rare state-federal confrontation over infrastructure management.
Traffic Chaos and Communication Failure
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Wednesday’s transport paralysis – where some commuters spent 8+ hours in traffic – resulted from poor public communication:
“I take responsibility for not adequately informing residents earlier,” he conceded, announcing mitigation measures:
- Tripled LASTMA deployment with extended night shifts
- Real-time traffic alerts via @followlastma social channels
- Flexible work advisory: Non-essential VI trips should be postponed 2-3 weeks
Engineering Reality Check
Project engineers demonstrated why reversal isn’t feasible:
- 40% deck excavation already completed
- Corroded support beams requiring full replacement
- Pre-stressed concrete pouring underway
“This isn’t pothole patching,” explained Infrastructure Commissioner Aramide Adeyoye. “The bridge’s skeleton is exposed – reopening now would be criminal negligence.”
Political Tensions Surface
The standoff highlights ongoing jurisdictional ambiguities in federal road management. While Umahi’s office insists on federal authority over the bridge, Lagos officials argue their emergency intervention prevents catastrophe.
“We’re not waiting for bureaucracy while lives hang in the balance,” Sanwo-Olu asserted, noting similar state interventions on federal roads like Third Mainland Bridge.
What’s Next?
- 24/7 construction shifts to accelerate completion
- Ferry services doubled from Ikorodu and CMS terminals
- Alternate routes via Eko Bridge receive temporary signal upgrades
As armored concrete mixers rolled onto the site during the inspection, the governor made his final appeal: “This pain saves lives. Bear with us.” With Lagos’ economy losing an estimated ₦4 billion daily to the gridlock, the countdown to repairs completion grows increasingly urgent.
