The Federal Ministry of Works has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos following severe traffic gridlock caused by its closure for maintenance.
In an official statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr. (Mrs.) O.I. Kesha, the Ministry announced:
“The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic. This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works.”
The statement continued:
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure palliative works are carried out on the already opened bridge to make it motorable. The Ministry hereby express regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.”
Regarding future repairs, the Ministry stated:
“The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out at a later time.”
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The abrupt closure had paralyzed traffic across critical Lagos routes on Wednesday, with commuters stranded for hours. The reopening order aims to restore normalcy while palliative measures are implemented.
Full Statement Text:
Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos
PRESS RELEASE ON IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF INDEPENDENCE BRIDGE (AHMADU BELLO WAY-MARINA BOUND).
Date: April 2nd, 2025
The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.
This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works.
Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure palliative works are carried out on the already opened bridge to make it motorable.
The Ministry hereby express regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.
The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out at a later time.
E-signed
Engr. (Mrs.) O. I. Kesha
Federal Controller of Works, Lagos
