Lagos Traffic Gridlock: Lagosians May Face 6-Hour Travel To Work Until End of May

Commuters in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, faced unprecedented traffic gridlock triggered by the sudden closure of Independence Bridge and a torrential early-morning downpour. The repair work, which commenced on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, is set to disrupt the city’s rhythm for two months, with completion slated for the end of May 2025.

The closure caught residents off guard, coming immediately after a two-day holiday, amplifying the chaos across the metropolis. Victoria Island and Ikoyi, two of Lagos’ busiest districts, bore the brunt of the paralysis, with streets clogged with traffic. For many, the daily commute transformed into a grueling ordeal, as the city’s already strained transport network buckled under the pressure.

Independence Bridge, a critical artery for Lagos’ workforce and commerce, is undergoing essential repairs, according to the Federal Government. The announcement, however, offered little consolation to commuters who described the experience as harrowing. “It was a rude shock,” said one Ikoyi-based worker, echoing the frustration of thousands stranded in the snarl-ups.

The heavy rainfall compounded the crisis, flooding key routes and slowing movement to a crawl. Lagos, known for its relentless pace, saw productivity stall as workers arrived hours late if at all. The convergence of the bridge closure and adverse weather has sparked concerns about the city’s infrastructure resilience, with the repair timeline promising weeks of disruption ahead.

Authorities have urged patience, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the repairs, but for now, Lagosians face a stark reality: a commercial hub at a standstill. With the project extending through May 2025, residents and businesses brace for a challenging two months in Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.