For the second consecutive day, Lagosians have been grappling with severe traffic congestion following the closure of Independence Bridge, a crucial link between Victoria Island and other parts of the city.
The Federal Government’s decision to shut down the bridge for maintenance has sparked outrage, with many residents blaming both federal and state authorities for poor planning and lack of alternative routes.
Commuters Stranded, Frustration Mounts
The ripple effects of the closure have turned the surrounding roads into a nightmare for motorists and commuters. Long queues of vehicles stretched for hours, with many people taking to social media to vent their frustration.
A user on X (formerly Twitter), @KlasickTheHost, lamented: “You people don’t rate Lagosians at all. No proper announcement, no solid alternative routes, just suffering!” Another user, @DpeopleLawyers, urged authorities to prioritize night-time repairs, implement scheduled updates, and deploy more traffic management officials to ease the situation.
“We Can’t Endure This for Two Months” – Road Users
Some commuters expressed fears that enduring this gridlock for the two-month duration of the repair would be unbearable. A banker, Theophilus, shared his ordeal, stating that he was stuck on Osborne Road for eight hours before finally turning back home.
“I left my house thinking I’d be at the office in time, but I ended up spending hours in one spot. Families were stranded, children exhausted, and some drivers had to leave their cars to buy food or fuel,” he recounted.
Another motorist, @KazeemMaranroo1, narrated how he spent over eight hours in traffic, getting home past 2 AM. “This isn’t just about Lagos Island; we need a direct link from Lekki or Ajah to the Mainland,” he suggested.
Authorities Step In – But Is It Enough?
In response to the public outcry, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) announced urgent measures to address the situation.
FRSC has deployed over 100 officers to the affected corridors, with plans to coordinate with other agencies for better traffic flow.
LASTMA has mobilized 600 personnel, including a newly formed ‘Night-Gang’ squad to manage evening traffic up till midnight.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, assured that there was no security breach despite the heavy congestion. He confirmed that more officers had been dispatched to monitor and control traffic around the affected areas.
Lagosians Call for Better Planning
Many residents argue that this crisis could have been avoided if proper planning had been in place. Some suggested that the ongoing coastal road construction should be temporarily halted to serve as an alternative route.
Others questioned why similar infrastructure projects under previous administrations were completed without causing such widespread disruption.
As the situation unfolds, Lagosians are left hoping that these new measures will bring relief. Until then, the reality remains—long hours in traffic, frustration, and a desperate call for a city that truly works for its people.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experience in the comments below!
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