After two days of closure and completion of palliative measures, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has declared the Independence Bridge in Lagos open to traffic.
Umahi, who personally inspected the bridge to verify its integrity, stated that more permanent work would commence after three weeks.
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The Federal Ministry of Works had closed the Marina-bound bridge on April 1st to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation. However, the minister ordered its immediate reopening due to severe traffic congestion experienced by Lagosians.
Umahi had previously announced that punitive measures would be taken in response to the historic traffic congestion in Lagos, aiming to deter similar issues under federal jurisdiction across the country. The official reopening of the Independence Bridge follows the completion of temporary repairs.
Umahi emphasized that the ministry would establish standard procedures for road and bridge closures, ensuring compliance by all controllers in the future.
He acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Tony Elumelu and Alhaji Aliko Dangote for their timely intervention.