Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has announced that permanent repair works on the Independence Bridge in Lagos will commence within the next three weeks, following the completion of integrity checks on underground infrastructure.
Speaking during a press briefing at the reopening of the bridge on Friday, Umahi addressed the recent traffic chaos caused by its abrupt closure, which left thousands of commuters stranded in gridlock across the city.
“We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working swiftly to begin permanent reconstruction within three weeks,” he said. “Once we verify the status of the underground pipes, full-scale rehabilitation will begin.”
Umahi assured the public of the structural safety of the bridge, emphasizing that the immediate concern was not the bridge itself, but the failed approach slab. He explained that the closure became necessary after the slab caved in due to a design flaw and erosion of sand beneath it.
“The bridge is 100 percent sound. I’ll be the first to drive across it to show Lagosians that it’s safe. The upcoming work is to ensure long-term durability,” he stated.
The minister noted that the faulty approach slab was originally constructed as a cantilever—an unsuitable design that led to its collapse. He explained that sand fill beneath the slab had washed away, creating a serious safety risk.
In response to public backlash and the severe traffic congestion that followed the closure, Umahi ordered the bridge reopened on Thursday to ease movement while plans for permanent repairs continue.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also issued an apology to residents for the disruption caused by the emergency closure.
Looking ahead, Umahi revealed that the government plans to redesign the affected section of the bridge as a one-span structure to eliminate the lateral head pressure that contributed to the slab failure.
“We’re redesigning the project to reduce risk from sand excavation and unknown piling depths. Any scouring around the piles can compromise the entire structure,” he added.
The minister further announced a phased repair strategy, with construction divided into two stages, each expected to last approximately 21 days, to minimize traffic disruption during the rehabilitation process.
