Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has taken full responsibility and apologised to motorists who were trapped in traffic for several hours following the closure of the Independence Bridge on Victoria Island.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge, Sanwo-Olu attributed the gridlock to inadequate and inconsistent communication regarding the closure, noting that work on the bridge had already commenced earlier.
He also pointed to the increased number of motorists returning to work after the Eid-el-Fitr holiday as a major factor in the prolonged traffic congestion.
“This was a case of everyone rushing out at the same time after a long weekend to return to their workplaces. This part of the city is the Central Business District,” he said.
“It was due to inadequate communication, and I take full responsibility. Work had already started on the bridge, and it was assumed that people were aware.
“Communication is key to enforcement, and we must continue providing updates to help people plan alternative routes,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu assured residents that more traffic enforcement officers and security personnel would be deployed to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of motorists during the bridge rehabilitation.
“You will see twice the number of LASTMA officers on the road, working late into the night to ease the congestion,” he said.
The governor urged Lagos residents to explore remote work options, similar to practices adopted during the COVID-19 era, to reduce vehicular movement on the Island.
“For those who don’t need to be physically present on the Island in the next two to three weeks, I encourage you to use virtual means such as telephone and Zoom meetings.
“Plan ahead for your business and consider working remotely,” he added and appealed for patience and discipline among road users.
“This is not the time to drive recklessly or go against traffic. A little patience will go a long way in solving the problem,” he advised.
In response to the Minister of Works’ directive to reopen the bridge immediately, the governor maintained that the order might not be feasible given the ongoing excavation.
“With due respect to the honourable minister, we are the ones on the ground, and we understand the work that needs to be done. At the moment, the road is impassable,” Sanwo-Olu said.
