FG to sanction Lagos controller of works over unauthorised bridge closure

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the Lagos Controller of Works, Olukorede Kesha, will face sanctions for ordering the closure of the Independence Bridge (Ahmadu Bello Way-Marina bound) without proper authorisation, which led to severe gridlock in Lagos on Wednesday. Speaking during an inspection of the road yesterday, Umahi stated that […]

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the Lagos Controller of Works, Olukorede Kesha, will face sanctions for ordering the closure of the Independence Bridge (Ahmadu Bello Way-Marina bound) without proper authorisation, which led to severe gridlock in Lagos on Wednesday.

Speaking during an inspection of the road yesterday, Umahi stated that the comptroller did not seek approval from him or the Permanent Secretary of the ministry before issuing the closure order.

Motorists in Lagos endured hours of standstill traffic on Wednesday after authorities shut down the bridge for maintenance and rehabilitation work scheduled from April 1, 2025, to the end of May 2025.

However, the sudden closure turned into a nightmare for commuters and motorists travelling from Obalende to Falomo overhead bridge, Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

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The situation was worsened by the fact that it occurred just after the two-day Sallah holiday, further compounding traffic woes.

Umahi criticised the Lagos Comptroller of Works for disregarding standard procedures.

He said, “As the minister, I should have been informed. We should have studied the implications before proceeding. Even if it was an emergency, we would have deployed an alternative approach, evaluated the impact, and taken proper measures to minimize disruption.”

The minister warned all comptrollers and engineers across the country, emphasising that no road or bridge should be closed without the approval of the permanent secretary, who must first seek his permission.

He insisted that the unauthorised closure would not go without consequences and disciplinary action.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also inspected the site, said the government takes full responsibility for the grindlock caused repair works. 

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasised that the repairs were necessary for the safety and well-being of Lagosians.

“Work must continue because this is a critical infrastructure. The bridge is one of the oldest in the country, and it has begun to fail. Repairing it is for the good of the city,” he said.

He urged residents to support the state government, noting that there is never a perfect time for road repairs.