The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said the Lagos Comptroller of Works, Olukorede Kesha, will face disciplinary action for closing the Independence Bridge (Ahmadu Bello Way-Marina bound) without proper authorisation.
The closure, which began on April 1 and is scheduled to last until the end of May for maintenance work, caused major traffic gridlock across Lagos on Wednesday.
Umahi, during a site inspection, stated that neither he nor the ministry’s Permanent Secretary approved the closure, and he criticised the Comptroller for acting without following the correct procedures.
He explained that had they been informed, a better plan could have been made to reduce the disruption, even in an emergency.
He also warned that no road or bridge should be closed in the country without his express approval.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also visited the site, accepted responsibility on behalf of the state government and acknowledged the frustration of residents.
However, he stressed that the bridge, being one of the oldest in the country, is failing and must be repaired for public safety.
He urged the public to be patient and support the ongoing work, saying that while the timing may be inconvenient, the repairs are necessary.
