Umahi: I wasn’t aware of Independence Bridge closure — controller acted alone

David Umahi, the minister of works, says he was unaware of the decision to close the Independence Bridge in Lagos.

On Monday, Olukorede Kesha, the federal controller of works in Lagos, announced the closure of the bridge for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Kesha added that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May.

However, the closure resulted in hours-long gridlock, with commuters and motorists stranded on Wednesday in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

Following the public outcry that trailed the gridlock, Umahi ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge.

On Thursday, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, said the state government would take full responsibility for the gridlock.

The governor also apologised to residents for the gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.

However, Umahi, who also visited the scene later on Thursday, said the controller decided to shut the bridge independently.

“I am here as directed by Mr. President. The president watched the agony that Lagosians went through yesterday (Wednesday) for the reason of closing the Independence Bridge for rehabilitation,” the minister said.

“I am very displeased, even though the subject matter — the rehabilitation of the already collapsed returned wall of the Independence Bridge — is very important.

“He (Tinubu) has asked me to be in Lagos and to free the traffic. I have looked at the structural problem; I am aware of it.

“We designed the rehabilitation; however, unfortunately, when the bridge was closed, I was not informed. The controller made that decision on her own, which is very unfortunate.

“In a place like Lagos, it has always been the tradition that I, as the minister, should be informed before such closures.

“We should have also studied the implications of shutting down the bridge.

“Even though this was an emergency, we could have conducted an urgent evaluation of the potential impact before closing the bridge.”

The minister warned all controllers and engineers that no road or bridge should have been closed without first obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.

He added that failure to follow this process would result in consequences and disciplinary action for those involved.