Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has apologized to residents for the heavy traffic caused by the repair work on the Independence Bridge near Bonny Camp. The project was halted after major congestion built up across the city.

Sanwo-Olu visited the site in the morning along with top government officials to assess the situation. According to Jubril Gawat, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, the repairs were planned for over three years to prevent possible structural damage.

However, due to the traffic chaos, Sanwo-Olu assured residents that immediate steps would be taken to ease the situation. He announced that alternative routes would be better managed, with more traffic officers and security personnel deployed, just like during festive seasons.

The Governor also advised residents to follow traffic rules and urged businesses that can allow remote work to let employees work from home while repairs continue.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reversed its decision to completely close the bridge. The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, announced this through Lagos Federal Controller of Works, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha.

The bridge was shut down on April 1 for essential repairs and was expected to remain closed until May. However, following public complaints about the severe traffic, officials have decided to find another way to carry out the repairs while allowing some movement on the bridge.