Despite a federal directive for the immediate reopening of Independence Bridge at Mekwen, Lagos Island remained in total traffic paralysis on Thursday, leaving motorists and commuters frustrated and stranded for hours.
Govt Orders Reopening, But the Bridge Stays Shut
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had ordered the bridge’s reopening on Wednesday following massive outcry over the traffic nightmare caused by its closure for maintenance. However, as of Thursday morning, the bridge was still shut, and the gridlock had only worsened, stretching from Lekki and Victoria Island all the way to the Mainland.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, clarified that the rehabilitation was still ongoing, particularly on a critical section of the bridge that needs urgent repairs before it can be reopened. She confirmed that the closure, which began on April 1, 2025, would remain in place until the end of May.
Chaos on the Roads, Surge in Ferry Transport
As cars barely moved, frustrated commuters turned to ferries to escape the gridlock. The Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu saw a surge in passengers, but disaster struck when a LAGFERRY boat caught fire, injuring nine people. Thankfully, no lives were lost.
Motorists Cry Out: ‘We Are Suffering!’
For many, the situation was beyond unbearable:
Akinwale Odebiyi: “I spent six hours from Ojodu Berger to Victoria Island and another five hours back. Where are the traffic officials?”
Nosa John: “My wife left Agege at 9 a.m. for a burial in Ajah but never made it. She got home the next morning!”
Remi Ojulari: “Seven hours from Victoria Island to Iyana-Oworo! LASTMA officials are missing—are they on strike?”
Muritala Alao (commercial driver): “The road is still blocked at Bonny Camp, and Mekwen Bridge is literally cut off. Until repairs are done, this traffic won’t end.”
Lagos Govt Suggests Alternative Routes
With no clear end in sight, the Lagos State Government urged commuters to avoid the area and use these routes instead:
To Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way → Use Ozumba Mbadiwe, Akin Adesola, Falomo Roundabout, Obafemi Awolowo Road
To Third Mainland Bridge → Take Ozumba Mbadiwe, Akin Adesola, Alfred Rewane, Osborne Road, Ring Road
To Inner Marina & CMS → Follow Ozumba Mbadiwe, Akin Adesola, Falomo Roundabout, Obafemi Awolowo, J.K. Randle Road
With repairs still far from complete and gridlock worsening, Lagosians are left with two options—endure the chaos or find alternative transport.
