Federal authorities have announced a complete closure of the strategically important Ijora Bridge in Lagos beginning April 27, setting the stage for major traffic disruptions in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The closure, deemed essential for critical structural repairs, will affect one of the main arteries leading to the nation’s busiest port facilities.
During an inspection of the deteriorating infrastructure on Monday, Federal Controller of Works Mrs. Olukorede Kesha revealed that the repair work would focus on replacing approximately 50 defective bearings beneath the bridge deck, requiring engineers to lift entire sections of the massive structure.
“This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases,” Kesha explained during the site visit. “We are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath. A lot of the bearings are defective, and approximately 50 of them will be replaced across three sections.”
The timing of the closure has raised concerns among transportation stakeholders, as the Ijora Bridge serves as a critical connector between the mainland and Apapa district, home to both Tincan Island Port and Apapa Port – facilities that handle approximately 70 percent of Nigeria’s import and export cargo. Daily traffic on the route includes thousands of container trucks, commercial vehicles, and private cars.
Transportation experts warn the closure could significantly impact Nigeria’s supply chain if alternative routes become overwhelmed. The Lagos State government has begun coordinating with federal authorities to develop traffic management plans, though specific diversion routes have not yet been officially announced.
“We understand the enormous pressure this will place on alternative routes,” said Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who attended the inspection alongside federal officials. We are finalizing comprehensive traffic management systems that will be deployed before the closure date to minimize disruption to businesses and commuters.
The Ijora Bridge rehabilitation project represents part of a larger federal initiative to address Nigeria’s aging infrastructure. Built in the 1970s during Nigeria’s oil boom, many of Lagos’ critical bridges have suffered from decades of heavy use combined with inconsistent maintenance. Engineers examining the Ijora structure found concerning levels of structural fatigue, with bearing failures representing a potential catastrophic risk if left unaddressed.
“This is preventive engineering at its most essential,” explained Dr. Folasade Akinleye, a structural engineering consultant attached to the project. “When bridge bearings fail, they can cause misalignment of deck sections, uneven load distribution, and in worst-case scenarios, structural collapse. The Federal Government’s decision to address this now potentially prevents a much more dangerous situation later.
The repair timeline remains uncertain, with officials declining to provide a specific reopening date. Similar projects on other Lagos bridges have sometimes extended beyond initial projections due to complications discovered during repairs. When pressed for a completion estimate, Kesha acknowledged the complexity involved.
“This type of specialized structural engineering work requires precision that cannot be rushed,” she said. “Each bearing replacement must be executed perfectly to ensure proper load distribution and alignment. We’re working with the contractors to establish realistic timelines, but safety and structural integrity remain our primary concerns.”
Local business associations have expressed concern about economic impacts. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce estimates that each day of closure could cost businesses in the area billions of naira in lost productivity and logistics complications.
While we understand the necessity of these repairs, the economic implications are significant,” said Chamber President Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole. We urge the government to ensure round-the-clock work to minimize closure duration and to consider temporary relief measures for businesses most severely affected.
Port operators have begun adjusting their schedules in anticipation of the closure, with some shipping lines advising clients to expect delays in cargo movement during the repair period. Nigerian Ports Authority officials indicated they would extend port operating hours to help distribute traffic outside peak periods.
For everyday Lagos commuters, the closure represents yet another challenge in navigating the notoriously congested city. Public transportation officials are exploring increased water transportation options and potential emergency bus routes to help alleviate pressure on alternative roads.
The Federal Ministry of Works has established a dedicated hotline for public inquiries regarding the closure and repair progress. Officials have also promised weekly updates as the work progresses.
“We acknowledge the disruption this will cause,” Kesha concluded during the inspection. “But the alternative—continuing to allow traffic on an increasingly compromised structure—is simply not an option. We’re asking for the public’s understanding and patience as we complete this essential work.
As April 27 approaches, transportation authorities are advising Lagos residents and businesses to begin planning alternative routes and adjusting travel schedules. Traffic management teams are expected to be deployed across potential choke points in the coming days as the megacity prepares for what could be months of adjusted traffic patterns in one of its busiest corridors.
