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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the Independence Bridge on Wednesday. He checked the traffic mess and took responsibility for the gridlock that hit Lagosians hard that day.
He went with key aides: Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso, and Senior Special Assistant on Transportation Sola Giwa. They toured the bridge and nearby areas to see the problem firsthand.
The trouble started when the bridge’s Marina-bound side closed for repairs on 1 April. This caused huge jams on other routes, especially to Victoria Island. A usual 30-minute trip from CMS to Lekki Phase 1 took over two hours, leaving commuters frustrated.
Sanwo-Olu apologised for the chaos. He blamed poor communication from the state. “I will take responsibility for this situation. It had started even before the closure, and we assumed people were aware. Communication is enforcement. We must continue to announce and help people make alternative plans to use other routes,” he said.
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He urged people to use tech instead of travelling to Victoria Island if possible. “If you don’t have urgent business in Victoria Island, consider conducting your work remotely through phone calls or Zoom meetings,” he suggested. He also pushed working from home, noting the Marina-to-Victoria Island route is currently toll-free due to the mess.
Informal transport fares jumped from N800 to N2,000 for CMS to Lekki Phase 1. Many chose to walk or use delivery bikes. Social media buzzed with angry posts from residents.
The federal government stepped in. It reopened the bridge to cars right away, opting for quick fixes instead of full repairs. Works Minister Sen. Dave Umahi said bigger work would wait, with temporary measures keeping the bridge usable for now.
Sanwo-Olu promised more LASTMA officers to control traffic. They’ll work longer shifts to help. He asked drivers to stay patient and avoid reckless moves. “We are thinking of alternative solutions, such as a counter-flow system, though it will require significant excavation,” he explained. “Let’s work together as we face this challenge.”
