Lagos suspends Ogudu-Ifako Bridge repairs over gridlock, robbery attacks
The Lagos State Government has temporarily halted rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area following mounting public complaints over gridlock and a surge in traffic-related crime along the corridor leading to the Third Mainland Bridge.
The second phase of the project, which began on August 19 and was expected to run until October 1, 2025, focused on repairing expansion joints on the bridge.
However, the resulting congestion has left motorists stranded for hours, creating opportunities for hoodlums to prey on commuters.
Journeys that ordinarily last 15 minutes have stretched to as long as six hours, with multiple reports of robbery incidents in traffic.
One of the victims, media executive and lawyer Richard Akinnola, recounted his ordeal while stuck in traffic near the 7Up/Old Toll Gate axis in Ketu.
Writing on his X account, he said: “Calling on RRS, Lagos. Two days ago, the repair work on Ogudu road from 7Up commenced.
“This has led to serious traffic along that corridor. I was in the traffic about noon when I was robbed by hoodlums who took advantage of the severe traffic. They were in the process of breaking my car windows when armed idiots dispossessed me of every cash on me.”
He lamented the absence of adequate security personnel in the area, urging the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, to deploy officers before commuters suffer worse attacks.
Responding to the outcry, a senior RRS official, who requested anonymity, disclosed that additional personnel had been mobilized.
“The RRS Commander has drafted armed men to strategic locations along Ogudu-Ifako where the rehabilitation is ongoing to protect motorists,” the source confirmed.
The Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, had earlier warned that the bridge repair would be executed in phases and advised road users to expect diversions.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, said the suspension was necessary to review existing traffic management strategies and address security concerns.
“The project was paused to review the traffic management plans. Work will resume within the week after consultations with the contractor and stakeholders,” Musa stated. “We appeal to residents for patience, to obey traffic officials, and to make use of alternative routes. The exercise is ultimately for public benefit, and we are working to fast-track the completion date.”
Musa also revealed that ambulances had been stationed along the corridor to promptly attend to emergencies while efforts continue to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the repair work.
Lagos suspends Ogudu-Ifako Bridge repairs over gridlock, robbery attacks
