In a heartfelt message to Lagosians, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly apologized for the major traffic disruptions caused by the ongoing closure of the Independence (McEwen) Bridge. The closure, part of a much-needed repair project, began on April 1 and is expected to last until the end of May 2025.
The Independence Bridge, a vital link between Lagos Island and the mainland, serves as a major thoroughfare for thousands of commuters daily. Its temporary shutdown has created massive congestion across the city, leaving many residents frustrated as they faced hours of delays.
The impact of the closure has been felt citywide. Key alternative routes such as the Five Cowrie (Falomo) Bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway quickly became bottlenecked, triggering a ripple effect that caused traffic jams on important roads across Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki.
Areas like Akin Adesola, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Alfred Rewane (Kingsway), and Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, along with Admiralty Way and Freedom Way in Lekki, were among the hardest hit. Many commuters found themselves stuck in standstill traffic for hours, with no clear end in sight.
Even well-known figures like veteran actress Kate Henshaw couldn’t escape the chaos, voicing her frustration on social media. Likewise, BBNaija star JMK (Jumoke Zainab Adedoyin) shared her own ordeal, recounting how she spent an exhausting eight hours traveling from the airport to her home—a journey that would normally take far less time.
In light of the widespread complaints, Governor Sanwo-Olu took to social media to address the situation, offering his sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to residents. He acknowledged the significant strain on daily life and reassured the public that the closure was necessary to prevent the potential collapse of the bridge, a safety concern that had been identified for years.
The governor promised that the government would take immediate action to alleviate the congestion, including more frequent cleanups of alternative routes to ensure smoother flow of traffic. He also announced the deployment of additional traffic officers and security personnel to manage the situation, similar to the measures implemented during the December holiday season when Lagos saw a surge in commuter numbers.
To further ease the burden, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged businesses, especially those with the capacity to work remotely, to consider allowing employees to work from home during this period. This initiative, he hopes, will help reduce the volume of commuters on the road and offer some relief to residents.
The closure of the Independence Bridge may have disrupted daily routines for now, but with these steps, Governor Sanwo-Olu aims to make the repair process as smooth as possible for everyone. While the journey ahead may be challenging, the long-term benefits of the project are expected to ensure safer and more efficient travel in the future.