NewStats: 3,264,219 , 8,183,006 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 08:26 AM g4v66

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.

https://x.com/thecableng/status/1907821897926000794


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ubrbS37KQ?si=9CJuC1YjxGk5X_lB

Is this not a lie, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said plan for 3 years, Nlfpmod!

What is this one saying. Wasn't it on the report when the bridge would be closed and reopened? Why didn't he object to it. It's now that problem has started he's here trying to defend himself. Yeye de smell.

As y'all ever been aware of anything in this country? Bunch of evil men in power.

You can't even make this up
What a country

The only reason why the governor and Dave himself were running helter skelter to ensure that the bridge is reopened was because the massive traffic jam affected the elites in Lagos. So hundreds of calls were hitting their mobile phones from these elites, forcing them to order the reopening with immediate effect.

If that bridge was at Okokomiko or Ikorodu or Yaba, believe me, they'll close it for 2 years and nothing would happen.

Insurbodination

But Umahi no suppose talk this outside. You suppose discipline the Controller in-house.

That's leadership

Wonderment

A good leader takes the blame and the praise whether good or bad. This is a very low score.

Now that he know what happens

She awarded the contract for the rehabilitation behind your back....

Umahi is a good Engineer...but he's just too much of an As.s-licking bastar.d talking BS unrelated with his assignment all the time!

Good riddance.

Funnily, Lagos is home for all Nigerians. What affects Lagos affects us all.

Most people here just have inherent hatred for other tribes or region. Even when they live in penury and squalor.

God bless our efforts.

Liar

igbsam:
You can't even make this up
What a country

Always talking bad about your country

Stop justifying yourself oga, there was a prior notification via most medium

Lol so no connectivity between y'all...


Then who will approve the payment of contractor.

Tjra:


Insurbodination

how is closing the bridge insubordination?

Trying to the blame to the Federal Controller is not smart. The ministry should take responsibility generally.

michroskrve:
Always talking bad about your country

what is the good that should be talked about with a minister claiming he was not aware that a bridge his ministry is working was closed?

What about the grid lock in abuja, whose fault is that?

Umahi, you should have done better. I hate bosses like you

Bosses that are fond of throwing their subordinates under the bus just for their own selfish ego.

Must you mention that it was the president that asked you to come to Lagos. So, if the President had not asked you to come to Lagos, you wouldn't have bothered?

I am still hurting from the Wednesday gridlock. It killed off my whole energy. I pity those that commute to work everyday in Lagos. I can't try it again, never!

saphiere:
As y'all ever been aware of anything in this country? Bunch of evil men in power.

lol... you don come back...

Na wa

It is obvious she was left to dry

You don’t need to tell us this

This is very low. A leader shouldn't throw their subordinate under the bus in time of crisis.

Sanwo Olu who is not even the minister of works took full responsibility like a leader instead of blaming the ministry of works.

Tjra:


Insurbodination

But Umahi no suppose talk this outside. You suppose discipline the Controller in-house.

That's leadership

I was about to type this. Very bad leader. He doesn't even know that he is able for the mess. The controller also has the right to carry out her job autonomously. A simple " Sorry Lagosians we did not anticipate the effect of the closure of the bridge. We will need to review our plans. Once again I apologize"

Nobody will crucify him if he said that

Nigeria 🇳🇬 is indeed a big comedy circus 🤹‍♂️






So controllers abi contractors go just wake up one morning and point to a place and start work there?

U can imagine rubbish talk

haybhi1:
lol... you don come back...

Nazgul:
The only reason why the governor and Dave himself were running helter skelter to ensure that the bridge is reopened was because the massive traffic jam affected the elites in Lagos. So hundreds of calls were hitting their mobile phones from these elites, forcing them to order the reopening with immediate effect.

If that bridge was at Okokomiko or Ikorodu or Yaba, believe me, they'll close it for 2 years and nothing would happen.

not even Ajangbadi 🤣🤣

Why is he denying it.

Umahi did well, an overzealous civil servant should be called out ,so that others will learn ,the federal comptroller might be issuing out threat and orders like a boss hiding under federal might and full of pride ,now it's backfired she should bear the consequences of her arrogance alone....small power Nigerians will be acting like demigods...