…As Minister warns engineers, demands disciplinary action over unapproved bridge shutdown
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to embrace remote working as a means to reduce traffic congestion in the city, following the severe gridlock caused by the unexpected closure of the Independence Bridge.
The closure, which took place on April 2, triggered a massive traffic jam that left commuters frustrated and delayed for hours. The bridge, a key route in the city, is undergoing essential repairs to ensure its structural integrity, which had been deteriorating over time.
Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the site on Thursday to assess the progress of the repairs, which are being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works under the management of Buildwell Construction. He was accompanied by senior officials from his administration and received a detailed briefing on the ongoing work.
In his address to the public, Sanwo-Olu apologised for the inconvenience caused by the gridlock, acknowledging the impact on daily commuters. He explained that the bridge had been slated for repairs for over three years and that the closure, though disruptive, was necessary to prevent a potential collapse of the aging structure.
“The decision to undertake this repair was not taken lightly; it has been in the works for over three years, and its urgency is tied to the safety and structural integrity of the bridge. We could not afford to delay this any longer,” the Governor stated.
In an effort to reduce the strain on the roads during the repair period, Sanwo-Olu called on residents with flexible working arrangements to consider working remotely. He suggested that this could ease the pressure on the city’s roads and help alleviate traffic congestion.
“If possible, I encourage those who have the flexibility to work remotely to do so. This will reduce the number of commuters on the roads and help us manage the situation more effectively,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also promised that efforts would be made to improve traffic management during the rehabilitation period. He stated that alternative routes would be better maintained, and additional traffic officers and security personnel would be deployed to manage the situation, similar to the approach taken during the December festive period.
The Governor assured Lagosians that the bridge would be temporarily restored within three days to relieve the immediate traffic bottleneck, with a more permanent solution to be implemented after a two-week assessment.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, responded to the bridge closure, expressing his dissatisfaction with the lack of communication regarding the decision. Umahi took responsibility for the oversight, despite not personally authorising the closure, and warned that disciplinary action would be taken against any staff involved in the incident.
He also praised the Lagos State Government for its efforts in managing the traffic situation, acknowledging the coordinated response between state and federal agencies.
As the repairs continue, Governor Sanwo-Olu remains committed to reducing the disruption caused by the closure, and he urged residents to support the government’s efforts by embracing flexible work options to help ease the pressure on Lagos’ already congested roads.
