Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has advised residents to conduct their business online if they do not have urgent reasons to visit Victoria Island in the coming weeks. This, he said, will help ease the heavy traffic congestion caused by the ongoing rehabilitation of the Independence Bridge.
Speaking on Thursday during an inspection of the construction site, Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to embrace remote work and virtual meetings, similar to what was practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let’s think out of the box. If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island over the next two to three weeks, conduct your business via social media, telephone, Zoom, or online meetings,” he said.
The governor also advised residents to adjust their travel schedules to avoid peak hours, reducing pressure on the roads. “If you do not need to go out at 7:00 a.m., wait until 10:00 a.m. Let those who must leave early go first. By staggering movement, we can reduce pressure on the roads,” he suggested.
To manage the traffic congestion, Sanwo-Olu announced that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will deploy additional officers to affected areas, including those reassigned from other parts of the city. “You will see a lot of LASTMA officers on the road. We are calling them in from other areas to ensure proper traffic management,” he stated.
The governor also revealed that alternative measures, such as counterflow lanes, are being considered to improve movement in and out of Victoria Island. The Independence Bridge, which connects Ahmadu Bello Way to Marina and CMS, was recently closed for urgent repairs, leading to severe traffic disruptions.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the difficulties residents are facing but emphasized that the rehabilitation is crucial for public safety. “We understand the inconvenience, but this work must be done for everyone’s safety. Let’s work together to manage the situation,” he reassured Lagosians.
Residents are urged to stay informed, explore alternative routes, and plan their movements wisely while the repairs continue. The government has promised to provide regular updates and implement further solutions to ease the impact of the closure.
