The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed deep appreciation to UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote for their concern during the temporary closure of a section of the Independence Bridge in Lagos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi revealed that Elumelu and Dangote both offered their private jets to facilitate his swift intervention in resolving the traffic chaos caused by the bridge’s closure.
“And, of course, to Chief Elumelu and some other prominent Nigerians like Dangote, for their calls and encouragement. They even requested that they send their planes to carry us, and we said no,” he said.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and construction firms for their prompt action in restoring order.
The bridge, which had been closed for repairs on April 2, 2025, following a technical failure of its approach slab, was quickly reopened after the efforts of the Ministry of Works, the Lagos State Government, and construction partners such as Buildwell Nig Ltd and Hitech Nigeria Ltd.
Umahi reiterated the importance of following proper procedures before closing vital infrastructure, and announced a new policy for future road and bridge closures.
He said the policy will include a stakeholder engagement and feedback mechanism, ensuring the public is well-informed about closures and their duration.
The minister also reassured the public of continued efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure.
