Lagos Traffic: Sanwo-Olu Advises Residents To Conduct Business Online
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents who do not have urgent business in Victoria Island to consider working remotely to ease the worsening traffic congestion in the area.
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal on Thursday while addressing journalists following severe gridlock caused by the Federal Government’s closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) for rehabilitation.
The bridge was initially scheduled to remain closed until May 2025, but Works Minister Dave Umahi later ordered its reopening, despite its poor condition, after heavy traffic disrupted movement across the city.
Sanwo-Olu advised residents to adapt by using virtual platforms for meetings and transactions. “Let’s think out of the box. If you don’t have essential business in Victoria Island over the next two to three weeks, work remotely, use social media, telephone, and online meetings,” he said.
He also suggested staggered commuting schedules, urging people who do not need to travel during peak hours to wait until later in the day.
Let’s think outside the box. If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the next 2 to 3 weeks, conduct your business online & plan ahead.
– Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State#IndependenceBridgeClosure#Traffic pic.twitter.com/StedrDXGBb
— Channels Television (@channelstv) April 3, 2025
“If you don’t need to leave at 7 o’clock, wait till 10 o’clock, so those who must move early can do so,” he added.
The governor recalled that similar movement restrictions were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and emphasised the need for motorists to plan their journeys and explore alternative routes.
Taking responsibility for the lack of adequate communication before the bridge closure and the resulting gridlock, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state government is considering constructing a counterflow route as an alternative.
“We’re exploring a counterflow option, but it will require significant excavation. We’ll assess its feasibility in the next one or two days,” he stated.
To mitigate the situation, the governor announced that the number of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials deployed to the area would be doubled.
“We’re redeploying personnel from other parts of the city to improve traffic management. Like we did in November and December, they’ll work late into the night,” he assured.
The governor urged residents to cooperate and exercise patience as efforts continue to address the traffic challenges in Victoria Island.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
