The closure of the Independence Bridge, a key route connecting Victoria Island to other parts of Lagos, has sparked anger and frustration among commuters in Lagos State. With traffic piling up for hours, many drivers have shared their difficult experiences since the bridge shut down for maintenance.

On Wednesday, the gridlock was so severe that commuters found themselves stuck for hours, stretching late into the night. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, announced on Monday that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025 to undergo much-needed repairs. This closure affects traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan.

Since the closure began, the surrounding roads have also become nearly impassable, leaving commuters frustrated and angry. Many have taken to social media to express their displeasure, blaming both the Federal and Lagos state governments for failing to provide alternative routes and for inadequate traffic management.

Lagosians voiced their feelings, stating that the government does not care about their daily challenges. One user complained, “You think you can just do anything at any time without letting the public know what’s going on?” Another suggested that it’s time for the government to take better control over road repairs and traffic flow, suggesting that work be done on weekends or at night to minimize disruption during busy hours.

As the situation worsened, some commuters reported feeling unsafe due to the lack of traffic officials visible on the roads. One banker shared that he spent over eight hours stuck in traffic after thinking he’d encounter only minor delays. “I saw families trapped in their cars, and many had to leave to get food or fuel,” he said.

Authorities Respond

In response to the chaos, the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, promised to prevent future traffic problems. He mentioned that they’re working closely with the Lagos Traffic Management Agency and police to improve traffic flow. “What happened was unfortunate, and we’re committed to ensuring it doesn’t happen again,” he stated.

The FRSC has deployed over 100 officers to manage traffic along the affected routes, and there are plans for more support if needed. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported that they have sent out about 600 officers to help manage the situation. They’ve even created a special team, nicknamed the “Night-Gang,” to handle traffic control during evening hours.

Lagos Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin acknowledged that there were no security issues reported during the traffic jam, stating that police were on duty to help manage the situation.

As Lagosians navigate the challenges brought on by the Independence Bridge closure, many hope for better planning and more effective communication from the government. The current traffic headaches are a clear reminder of the need for efficient infrastructure management and timely public announcements regarding major roadworks.