KEY POINTS

• Independence Bridge closure and rain cause a traffic meltdown in Lagos.
• Transport fares soared over 100 percent due to long delays.
• Commuters spent hours trekking and queuing for vehicles.

Lagos plunged into chaos on Wednesday as the Independence Bridge closure coincided with an early morning downpour. Commuters found themselves stuck in an overwhelming traffic gridlock.

Victoria Island and Ikoyi, two major business hubs, experienced the brunt of the paralysis. Motorists and workers faced severe delays, struggling to navigate through jammed streets.

The federal government began repair work on the vital bridge on April 1. The two-month project, which will end in May, aims to rehabilitate the bridge linking Victoria Island to Lagos Island.

However, the sudden commencement of the work and poor communication left many unprepared. Thousands resumed work after the Easter holiday, only to face immobilized roads and disrupted commutes.

Commuters stranded as transport fares double

BusinessDay stated that the Independence Bridge closure not only caused delays but also sent transport fares soaring by more than 100 percent. Commuters who normally spent one hour on their routes reported being stranded for over six hours.

A commercial driver said his income was affected. “I woke at 4 a.m. and should have made four trips by now,” he said. “But I’m stuck on my second.”

Another commuter, Jolade, recounted how she left Epe at 6 a.m. and arrived at her office by 1 p.m. Her journey, which should have taken a few hours, became an all-day struggle.

Anita, another affected passenger, said she was stuck at Falomo Bridge for three hours. By the time she got to Obalende, she had to queue again to get another ride.

The widespread frustration underscores the need for better planning and public communication.

Government urges use of alternative routes during Independence Bridge closure

In a public statement, Olukorede Kesha, federal controller of works in Lagos, urged motorists to plan accordingly. She noted the closure would affect those traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku toward Marina and Eko Bridge.

“The closure is necessary for essential rehabilitation,” Kesha stated. “But motorists must seek alternate routes to avoid long delays.”

The Independence Bridge closure is part of broader efforts to maintain aging infrastructure in Lagos. However, the disruptions have raised concerns about the timing and the city’s readiness to manage the fallout.

For now, Lagos residents must brace for more traffic nightmares as the repairs continue. With rains predicted to persist and no immediate alternative routes in place, the city’s mobility crisis could deepen.

Until then, commuters can only prepare better, leave home earlier, and hope traffic clears sooner than expected.