Lagos Gridlock: Bridge Closure Triggers Island Chaos
For the second day in a row, residents and commuters in Lagos faced crippling traffic congestion across Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki—an aftermath of the abrupt closure of the Independent Bridge around Bonny Camp on Tuesday.
The chaos left thousands stranded, vehicles overheating, fuel tanks drying up, and fears of attacks by hoodlums mounting. Many abandoned their cars and trekked long distances as the city struggled to cope with the disruption.
In response, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Works Dave Umahi visited the site, taking responsibility for the traffic crisis and offering apologies to affected citizens.
Umahi, who ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge on Wednesday, stated that he would remain in Lagos until Sunday to oversee the remedial works. Sanwo-Olu, who arrived at the site before the minister, did not specify a reopening date but promised enhanced traffic management and increased deployment of security officers.
To manage the crisis, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) dispatched 600 officers and 90 guards, while the government advised residents to explore alternative routes and remote work strategies.
The 53-year-old bridge was shut down for urgent rehabilitation due to deteriorating supports and beams, with the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, setting a completion target for the end of May.
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The closure triggered intense frustration among road users, some of whom took to social media to share their harrowing experiences.
Comedian Adebowale Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni) posted:
“There should have been adequate planning, including a reasonable timeline for execution and proper information dissemination which would have prevented to some extent the unbearable hardship the people have to endure.”
Another entertainer, Nasboi, tweeted:
“Wetin my eye see. Fifteen minutes journey to almost four hours.”
Motorist Niyi Ajetomobi shared:
“It was very scary and hectic yesterday(Thursday). Some drivers even hit my car. People were walking because there were no buses. I left my office at 4 pm. and didn’t get home until 2:39 am on Wednesday. Here I am today (yesterday). It is almost 5 pm. I don’t even know when I would get home.”
Similarly, Precious Iheanacho said:
“It was a terrible experience, staying in one spot for hours on Wednesday. People had to trek. From the Law School bus stop, it took us one hour and 45 minutes just to get to the Civic Centre. I left by 4 pm and got home at 12.45 am. The situation was worsened by reports of hoodlums harassing motorists in the gridlock. See me here again today(yesterday). Only God knows when I would reach my residence.”
Another commuter, Igwe Amarachi, remarked:
“This traffic is unlike anything I have seen before. It started around 3 pm today (yesterday) and never eased up.”
One motorcyclist rider even demanded N50,000 for a trip to Murtala Mohammed Airport. The stranded commuter declined and said:
“My brother. There is no way I will pay N50,000 to the airport. I have decided to go back to my base at 1004 Housing Estate on Victoria Island. As you are seeing me, I am going to trek to abode.”
Umahi and Sanwo-Olu Address the Fallout
Umahi, addressing the public, apologized to both Lagosians and President Bola Tinubu. He revealed the bridge closure occurred without his authorization, blaming the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos for acting independently.
“Unfortunately when the bridge was to be closed, I was not informed. The controller did that on her own, and it’s very unfortunate… even though it’s an emergency situation, we would have deployed an emergency evaluation of the implication of closing the bridge.”
He promised disciplinary action against any future unauthorized closures:
“I use the opportunity to warn all controllers and engineers all over the country, never you close a road or close any bridge without running through the permanent secretary.”
Though he admitted the closure was avoidable, Umahi accepted full responsibility:
“I take responsibility for it, even though I did not order it, but every action by any staff or ministry of works, I take responsibility for that.”
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He outlined a swift plan:
“What we are doing now is to restore the bridge temporarily within the next three days. By Sunday, this place will be open.”
Sanwo-Olu also accepted responsibility for the lack of adequate communication:
“It was due to inadequate communication, and I take full responsibility. Work had already started on the bridge, and it was assumed that people were aware.”
He advised companies and individuals to adopt remote work options for the next few weeks:
“For those who don’t need to be physically present on the Island in the next two to three weeks, I encourage you to use virtual means such as telephone and Zoom for your meetings.”
As the city battles one of its worst traffic crises in recent memory, all eyes remain on the promised Sunday reopening—and whether lasting lessons will be learned.
