Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the Independence Bridge in Lagos will reopen to commuters by Friday afternoon.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Thursday evening, the minister assured Lagos residents that the work would be done on the damaged section of the bridge, with follow-up checks in two weeks.
The bridge was closed earlier this week for maintenance and rehabilitation—a decision the minister said he was unaware of.
Olukorede Kesha, federal controller of works in Lagos, had announced the bridge’s closure, which he said would last till May.
The decision cost residents long, biting hours in traffic, with many getting to their destinations in the early hours of the morning.
Following public outcry over the hours-long gridlock on Wednesday, Umahi ordered that the bridge be reopened, saying necessary repair work would be carried out later.
Providing an update, the minister said the work is near completion.
“Let me announce that those that are going to work tomorrow should feel free by 3pm to pass through here,” he said.
“This bridge will be reopened at the latest by 3pm tomorrow to the glory of God, and so we are committed to working throughout the night to restore the bridge.
“I can see that it’s 50 percent…of what we’re going to do, but it may turn out to be permanent work.”