Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that he was not aware of the recent closure of the Independence Bridge in Lagos, adding that the decision was made solely by the state’s Federal Controller of Works, Olukorede Kesha.
Earlier this week, Kesha had announced that the bridge would be temporarily shut for crucial repair and maintenance work, with plans to keep it closed until the end of May.
However, the closure caused serious traffic congestion on Wednesday across parts of Victoria Island, leaving motorists and commuters stuck for hours.
In response to the public frustration, Umahi directed that the bridge be reopened immediately, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos apologized for the traffic disruption and assured residents that the state would take responsibility for the incident.
Speaking during a visit to the bridge on Thursday, Umahi clarified that the decision to close it was taken without informing him.
“I am here on the instruction of Mr. President, who was deeply concerned after seeing the suffering of Lagos residents due to the bridge closure,” he said.
“Although the repair of the damaged return wall is necessary, I was not briefed before it was shut down. The controller acted independently, which should not have happened.
“In a busy city like Lagos, proper procedure demands that I, as the minister, be informed in advance. Even in urgent situations, the impact of such closures must be properly assessed.”
Umahi also issued a directive warning all federal controllers and engineers not to close any road or bridge without first securing approval from appropriate authorities.
