Commuters and motorists in Lagos endured a grueling traffic nightmare on Wednesday and Thursday following the sudden closure of theIndependence Bridge in Falomo for urgent repairs. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, had announced the closure, stating that the bridge would remain shut until May 2025 to allow for maintenance.
However, the immediate aftermath was chaos—vehicles were at a standstill for hours, commuters resorted to trekking long distances, and some even turned to ferry services to escape the gridlock.
Why Was the Independence Bridge Closed?
The Federal Government cited structural concerns as the reason for the closure, warning that the bridge’s condition posed a safety risk. The closure affected routes from:
Ahmadu Bello Way
Adeola Odeku towards Marina
Eko Bridge and Onikan (near Zone 2 Police Command HQ)
Authorities advised motorists to use alternative routes, but the lack of proper traffic management worsened the situation.
Commuters’ Ordeal: Tales of Pain and Frustration
The gridlock led to several distressing incidents:
1. A 70-Year-Old Woman Hospitalized After Falling into a Manhole
The elderly woman, preparing for her 70th birthday, was caught in the traffic and fell into an uncovered manhole while walking. She underwent emergency surgery.
2. A 7-Year-Old Boy Died Due to Delayed Medical Help
A sick child referred to a hospital could not reach medical care in time due to the standstill traffic.
3. Commuters Stranded for Over 10 Hours
Many Lagosians reported spending entire workdays stuck in traffic, with some arriving home as late as 2 AM.
Social Media Outrage
Frustrated Lagosians took to X (Twitter) to vent:
@LucyOyadime: "This is poor planning! People are trekking for miles because vehicles aren’t moving."
@Tumininu: "Got home at 2 AM, woke up at 5 AM to face the same traffic. This is madness!"
Rufai Oseni (TV Anchor): "The government claims the bridge is reopened, but traffic is still terrible. Nigeria’s poor planning is a joke."
Government Response: Sanwo-Olu and Umahi React
Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the site, apologizing for the disruption but insisting the repairs were necessary to prevent a bridge collapse.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, expressed anger over the unauthorized closure, stating he was not consulted. He vowed to discipline officials responsible for the poor execution.
What’s Next? Alternative Routes and Solutions
While repairs continue, commuters are advised to:
✔ Use ferries where possible.
✔ Explore remote work options to avoid peak-hour traffic.
✔ Follow updates from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Final Thoughts
The Independence Bridge closure has exposed Lagos’ fragile infrastructure and the need for better emergency traffic management. As repairs continue, residents hope for smoother commutes—but for now, patience and planning are key.
What’s your experience with the Lagos gridlock? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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