FG Reopens Independence Bridge Ahead of Schedule

By Achimi Muktar

In a surprising turn of events, the Federal Government (FG) has reopened the Independence Bridge (Ahmadu Bello Way-Marina bound) earlier than scheduled, bringing much-needed relief to Lagos motorists. However, instead of completing the full rehabilitation as initially planned, the government has opted for palliative fixes, postponing major repairs to a later date.

Why Was the Bridge Closed?

The bridge was shut down on April 1 for crucial maintenance, with expectations that repairs would be completed by May. However, the closure triggered massive traffic gridlock, forcing commuters to endure hours-long delays and skyrocketing transport fares.

With Lagosians growing increasingly frustrated, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, announced the immediate reopening of the bridge, stating that temporary fixes would be implemented to keep it motorable while full repairs are deferred.

Traffic Nightmare Forced a Rethink

The closure had brought parts of Lagos to a standstill. Commuters heading to Victoria Island, CMS, and the 3rd Mainland Bridge found alternative routes completely clogged. Some travelers reported spending over four hours on what would normally be a 30-minute journey. The chaos also led to an explosion in transport fares, with prices from CMS to Lekki Phase 1 jumping from N800 to N2,000.

What’s Next for the Bridge?

While the reopening is a temporary fix, full-scale rehabilitation remains on the table. Umahi acknowledged the public inconvenience and assured Nigerians that long-term solutions are still in the works to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity.

For now, motorists can breathe a sigh of relief, but with no set timeline for permanent repairs, the question remains: How long will the palliative measures hold?