Umahi's Bold Move: Opening of Independence Bridge to End Lagos Traffic Woes

Dave Umahi, the Minister of works, has ordered the Independence Bridge on Victoria Island in Lagos to reopen immediately.

Following the severe traffic congestion that engulfed Lagos' Ikoyi neighborhood, the minister issued the directive on Wednesday.

In a phone call with our correspondent on Wednesday evening, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, confirmed the most recent event.

Since portions of the bridge have already sustained damage, the controller said her staff is already working to put corrective measures in place so that traffic can resume on the bridge.

She assured that her team is working tonight to alleviate vehicular circulation, but she was unsure if commuters will be allowed to utilize the bridge tomorrow.

"Yes, that is true," she answered. I've been told to open it by the minister. However, since we have already damaged some sections of the bridge, we are currently looking for ways to fix it so that traffic may travel on it.

"Whether commuters will be able to use it tomorrow is still up in the air. But right now, we're working through the night to fix several issues. We're addressing that.

You may remember that the federal government had declared its intention to close Lagos State's Independence Bridge (which leads to Marina) for necessary repairs and upkeep. Until the end of May 2025, the bridge would be closed, according to the statement.