…Apologizes to Lagosians
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has stated that the repair of the Independence Bridge was carefully planned in order to avert a potenial disaster.
He made this known while on a visit to the area on Thursday morning to inspect the level of work done.
Recall that NPO reported that the closure of the Independence/Marina Inward Bridge had led to the gridlock which forced many motorists to abandoned their vehicles after hours of standstill.
This development however led to outrage from many Nigerians across the country as well as social media.
In response to this, Sanwo-Olu while on the visit to the area, extended an apology to Lagos residents, noting that the road had deteriorated, hence the need for a repair.
A statement via his verified X page also read;
“This morning, I arrived at the Independence Bridge, Bonny Camp, to personally assess the ongoing repair work being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“I sincerely apologise to all Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced yesterday. I understand the frustration, delays, and disruption this has caused in your daily lives.
“As someone who also moves through this city, I feel your pain, and we do not take your patience and resilience for granted.”
“The decision to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight. This repair has been in the works for over three years, carefully planned to avert a potential disaster.”
”The structural integrity of the bridge had deteriorated, and delaying this intervention any further would have put lives at risk.”
“While this repair is necessary for the safety of all, I acknowledge the burden it has placed on commuters. We are working closely with all relevant agencies to mitigate the impact, improve traffic management, and find immediate solutions to ease the congestion.“
He further assured that the necessary arrangements are being put in place to ease the flow of traffic.
The governor also urged businesses and organizations across Lagos to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models.
“I assure you that we are not just watching from the sidelines; we have deployed additional traffic monitoring officials and security personnel to ensure traffic flows freely.
“I encourage employers to consider how flexible work policies can contribute to a more efficient Lagos, where people spend less time in traffic.
“Let us embrace innovative solutions that support our economy and quality of life.
“Lagosians, I ask for your continued patience and cooperation. Your safety remains our priority, and we are committed to ensuring that our city remains not only a hub of progress but also a place where infrastructure serves the people effectively.” He wrote.