Minister David Umahi Blows Whistle on Independence Bridge Closure: ‘I Wasn’t Informed About the Immediate Shutdown’

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sparked nationwide controversy after revealing that he was not informed about the immediate closure of the Independence Bridge in Lagos. His admission has left many Nigerians questioning the coordination between federal agencies and the Ministry of Works.

Speaking during a press briefing, David Umahi stated, “I wasn’t informed about the immediate closure of the bridge.” The unexpected shutdown has caused major traffic gridlocks and disrupted commercial activity in one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors, intensifying public outcry over transparency in infrastructural management.

Chaos Unfolds in Lagos Following Sudden Shutdown

The unannounced closure of the Independence Bridge brought vehicular movement in Lagos to a grinding halt. Motorists, commuters, and businesses along the Lagos Island-Ikoyi axis were caught off guard, as traffic stretched for kilometers with no viable alternative routes provided.

Residents have condemned the manner of execution, labeling it as inconsiderate and poorly managed. Business owners reported significant losses while commuters complained of spending up to five hours in traffic. The failure to provide early notice or deploy adequate traffic personnel has intensified frustrations.

Intra-Governmental Disconnect Exposed

Minister David Umahi’s statement has exposed a glaring lapse in coordination within the federal government structure. Questions are now being raised about whether key stakeholders—such as the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Lagos State Government—acted unilaterally or deliberately excluded the Minister from the decision.

Experts argue that such breakdown in communication undermines national trust in public infrastructure planning. It also raises concerns about the chain of command and transparency, as the public demands accountability for the bridge’s abrupt closure and the resulting chaos.

Economic Ripple Effects of Bridge Closure

The Independence Bridge is a vital artery in Lagos’ economic ecosystem, connecting major financial hubs. Its sudden closure has disrupted the flow of goods, services, and human capital, leading to a sharp decline in productivity across affected zones.

Logistics companies, commercial transport operators, and small-scale traders have all reported losses running into millions of naira. The economic impact of the closure, stakeholders warn, could reverberate across multiple sectors if an alternative plan is not quickly instituted.

Demand for Accountability and Transparency Grows

Civil society organizations and urban planning advocates are calling for a full investigation into the bridge’s closure. Many insist that Minister David Umahi’s exclusion from such a critical infrastructural decision reflects a disturbing trend of opaque governance in Nigeria’s public service sector.

Calls for the resignation or sanctioning of involved officials are gaining momentum online, with hashtags like #BridgeCrisis and #InfrastructureTransparency trending on social media. The public is demanding clear communication protocols to prevent a recurrence of such lapses.

Minister David Umahi Vows to Investigate and Enforce Sanctions

In response to the fallout, Minister Umahi has vowed to launch an internal investigation into the communication breakdown that led to his being sidelined. He emphasized the importance of adherence to protocol and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to public accountability.

“We will not allow such insubordination and disarray to persist,” Umahi declared. He promised that any agency found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary actions, assuring Nigerians that lessons would be learned and future disruptions averted through tighter coordination and oversight.