Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the closure of Independence Bridge, citing safety concerns despite a directive from the Minister of Works to reopen it. Acknowledging the severe traffic crisis, he assured Lagosians that more traffic officers and mitigation measures would be implemented while urging patience during the ongoing repairs.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has addressed the public outrage over the worsening traffic caused by the closure of Independence Bridge. He attributed the severe congestion to poor communication by relevant authorities and acknowledged the hardship faced by commuters.
Despite an earlier directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to reopen the bridge, Sanwo-Olu insisted that the repairs must continue due to serious structural concerns. Speaking during an on-site inspection on Thursday, he urged residents to exercise patience, emphasizing that the bridge had been deteriorating for over three years and could pose a safety risk if not properly fixed.
The governor admitted that inadequate public communication contributed to the chaos and took responsibility for the oversight. He advised Lagosians to plan alternative routes or work remotely for the next few weeks to reduce the impact of the ongoing construction.
Sanwo-Olu dismissed the idea of a quick reopening, explaining that significant excavation work had already been carried out, making the bridge unsafe for use. He warned of potential disaster if the structure failed under pressure. To ease the congestion, he announced an increased deployment of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers and extended construction hours to fast-track the project.
As criticism mounts over the handling of the closure, Sanwo-Olu reassured residents that every effort is being made to reduce disruptions while ensuring that necessary repairs are completed for long-term safety.
