Motorists heading to Lagos Island on Monday experienced severe gridlock following the closure of the Independence/Mekwen Bridge inbound Marina/CMS for repairs. The Federal Government had earlier announced that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May for essential maintenance.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, stated that the closure would impact traffic from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan. As a result, commuters faced long delays, with traffic congestion stretching from Lekki through Victoria Island to Falomo Bridge.
Many road users expressed frustration over the situation. A motorist, Gbenga Aduloju, lamented that he left the Island at 2 p.m. and was still stuck in traffic by 4 p.m., wondering if this would be the situation for two months. Another commuter, Esther Alfonso, shared her ordeal, saying a journey that usually takes 15 minutes took almost two hours. Some commuters called on the Federal Government to reconsider the closure, arguing that the repairs had yet to begin, yet the road was already closed. A commercial driver suggested allowing one-way traffic to ease congestion, urging the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to provide better solutions.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, outlined alternative routes for motorists. He advised that during the closure, sections of the road from the National Open University of Nigeria through Bonny Camp Bridge to Independence Bridge would be inaccessible. However, the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe would remain open. Motorists heading to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way should use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, and Falomo Roundabout to reach Obafemi Awolowo Road. Those heading to the Third Mainland Bridge should take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to Akin Adesola Street, then Alfred Rewane Road to Osborne Road and onward to Ring Road. Motorists traveling to Inner Marina and CMS should divert to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road before connecting J.K. Randle Road or King George V Road. Osiyemi reassured residents that LASTMA officials would be deployed to manage traffic flow throughout the period.
Following the widespread outcry, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge. The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that while repair works are necessary, they will be carried out at a later date to minimize disruptions. The Ministry expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and appealed for public understanding.
