Lagos commuters stranded, motorists held in gridlock as FG begins road rehabilitation
From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos Motorists in Lagos were on Wednesday trapped in a gridlock for several hours due to the closure of the Independence Bridge. On Monday, the Federal Government announced the closure of the bridge for maintenance and rehabilitation from April 1, 2025, to the end of May 2025. The closure has become a […]
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From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos
Motorists in Lagos were on Wednesday trapped in a gridlock for several hours due to the closure of the Independence Bridge.
On Monday, the Federal Government announced the closure of the bridge for maintenance and rehabilitation from April 1, 2025, to the end of May 2025.
The closure has become a nightmare to commuters and motorists plying from Obalende to Falomo overhead bridge heading to Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.
This snarl coming after the ease of the 2-day holiday of the Sallah celebration, has compounded commuters’ worry to survive the experience for two months.
Daily Trust learnt that the price of transport fares have skyrocketed due to the rush of passengers while commercial drivers express fear over wastage of fuel and time spent in the gridlock.
Adewummi Rukaola, who trekked from Sanusi Fafunwa street, Victoria Island to Falomo, expressed dismay, saying he had not experienced traffic congestion of such.
“I am coming from Sanusi Fafunwa, I trekked down here (Falomo). Now, to go back to the place, no bus coming or going
“This traffic is very different. I have not seen this before. It started from 10am and since then, it has been like this,” he said.
Obiora Okonkwo, who trekked from 1004 to Awolowo road expressed frustration, saying rehabilitation of roads should not disrupt the ease of movement.
“I blame our government. I walked from 1004 to Awolowo road and now I can see a single car to take me home. As far as I am concerned, this government is a failure.
“If you are doing a road, plan it well and do not use it to disturb the citizens. I feel so sorry for all of us,” he said.
A worker who simply identified himself as Blessing described the traffic congestion as terrible, saying he was confused on how to return to his office in Ajah.
“It has been terrible. I am going to Ajah, there is no vehicle and they have increased the transport fare. I am hearing N5000 from 1200.
“I actually came for an official assignment and I am going back to the office,” he said.