The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has blamed inadequate communication from the appropriate authorities for Wednesday’s extreme traffic jams.
The gridlock, which left thousands of commuters stranded, was caused by the sudden closure of the Independence Bridge for repairs.
Despite a directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to suspend the bridge’s closure, Sanwo-Olu has clarified that the rehabilitation work must continue due to safety concerns.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge on Thursday, the governor acknowledged the frustration experienced by road users.
He admitted that the lack of proper communication had worsened the situation, stating, “Because of inadequate communication and I take full responsibility people were not adequately informed.
Communication is key; it helps people plan alternative routes and make better decisions.”
The sudden closure without proper notice led to massive traffic congestion across major routes in the city.
Commuters spent hours in gridlock, with many businesses and daily activities severely affected.
Although Umahi had earlier directed the reopening of the bridge to ease traffic, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that safety concerns remain a priority.
He insisted that the necessary repairs must proceed to prevent future structural failures.
He further urged residents to adjust their commuting habits during the repair period, advising,
“If you don’t have urgent business on Victoria Island in the next two to three weeks, consider working from home, using telephone or Zoom meetings, and planning ahead.”
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu stated that additional measures are being put in place to ease traffic congestion while the rehabilitation continues.
Alternative routes will be reinforced, and traffic management officers have been deployed to critical areas to ensure smoother movement.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that infrastructural projects are carried out with minimal inconvenience to the public.
The reopening of the Independence Bridge has provided temporary relief, but work is expected to resume soon, with authorities urging Lagosians to stay informed about ongoing road developments.
