Independence Bridge Repair: ‘I Apologise for Severe Traffic Congestion Experienced’, Gov. Sanwo-Olu Begs Lagosians
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appealed to Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced on the Island on Wednesday, March 2.
Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s appeal follows complaints from Lagos commuters about the extreme gridlock on the Island, particularly in areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki, due to closure of Independence Bridge for ongoing repairs.
Reacting to the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, he acknowledged the pains of the commuters, noting that the repair of the bridge is paramount to avoid the loss of lives and properties.
He wrote: This morning, I arrived at the Independence Bridge, Bonny Camp, to personally assess the ongoing repair work being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works. I sincerely apologise to all Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced yesterday.
“I understand the frustration, delays, and disruption this has caused in your daily lives. As someone who also moves through this city, I feel your pain, and we do not take your patience and resilience for granted.
“The decision to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight. This repair has been in the works for over three years, carefully planned to avert a potential disaster. The structural integrity of the bridge had deteriorated, and delaying this intervention any further would have put lives at risk.
“While this repair is necessary for the safety of all, I acknowledge the burden it has placed on commuters. We are working closely with all relevant agencies to improve traffic management, and find immediate solutions to ease the congestion.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his government is not just watching from the sidelines, stressing that additional traffic monitoring officials and security personnel have been deployed to ensure traffic flows freely.
He urged businesses and organisations across the state to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models.
“A temporary shift in work culture can go a long way in reducing traffic pressure and supporting our collective wellbeing. Let us embrace innovative solutions that keep our city moving while we carry out critical infrastructure repairs. Together, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and liveable Lagos,” he said.
He further stated: “Lagosians, I ask for your continued patience and cooperation. Your safety remains our priority, and we are committed to ensuring that our city remains not only a hub of progress but also a place where infrastructure serves the people effectively.”
