The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular movement.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes in response to severe traffic congestion stretching from Lekki through Victoria Island to Falomo Bridge and beyond.
The bridge had been temporarily closed by the Federal Government for scheduled maintenance and rehabilitation.
However, the commencement of repairs on Tuesday led to heavy gridlock, with commuters spending hours in traffic.
While confirming the development, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, apologized for the inconvenience caused and appealed for public understanding.
She also noted that efforts are underway to carry out palliative measures on the reopened bridge to improve its condition for motorists.
But eyewitness reported that the bridge was still closed as of this morning.
A road user filmed himself walking on the bridge this morning, as he expressed surprise that the bridge was still shut to vehicular traffic in spite of the minister’s directive.
