The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the second phase of rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area, urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the rehabilitation, which focuses on restoring the bridge’s expansion joints inbound Lagos Island, will run from Tuesday, 19 August 2025, to Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

Officials say traffic diversions have been designed to minimise disruptions while ensuring safe mobility for commuters.

Traffic diversion routes announced

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, explained that traffic flow on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway/Lagos Toll Gate axis inbound Oshodi and Victoria Island would be diverted into a single lane 50 metres before the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge, with access restored 50 metres after the construction zone.

According to him, alternative routes have been provided:

For Oshodi-bound motorists: use Ojota Slip Road linking to Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park).

For Victoria Island-bound motorists: divert through Ojota Slip Road, connect to Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Town Planning Way), proceed to Gbagada, then Third Mainland Bridge inbound Lagos Island.

Additional option: Ikorodu Road inbound Funsho Williams Avenue leading to Eko Bridge.

From Ikeja and environs: pass through Maryland to Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, then Eko Bridge to Outer Marina. Alternatively, link Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park) to Oshodi.

LASTMA deploys officers and towing vehicles

Mr. Bakare-Oki assured residents that LASTMA officers have been stationed across affected corridors to enforce lane discipline, manage diversions, and respond swiftly to emergencies.

“Motorists are profoundly enjoined to exercise patience, prudence, and civic obligation, as the partial closure of the bridge represents a vital component of the State’s overarching traffic management architecture designed to deliver enduring infrastructural dividends for the collective wellbeing of Lagosians,” he said.

The LASTMA boss added that mini and heavy-duty towing trucks and other road infrastructure have been deployed along diversion routes to handle vehicle breakdowns and guide motorists.

Warning against traffic violations

While praising motorists for their cooperation during the first phase of the rehabilitation, Mr. Bakare-Oki warned against reckless driving, disobedience, and one-way driving.

He stressed that any driver caught violating traffic laws will be prosecuted by the Lagos State Mobile Court.

“Motorists bound for Victoria Island may conveniently divert through Ojota Slip Road, merging onto Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Town Planning Way), then connecting to Gbagada and accessing the Third Mainland Bridge inbound Lagos Island. An additional alternative exists via Ikorodu Road inbound Funsho Williams Avenue, affording direct ingress to Eko Bridge en route to Lagos Island,” he explained.

He further urged residents to report incidents or emergencies during the period via LASTMA’s hotline: 080000527862.

Public appeal for patience

Mr. Bakare-Oki appealed to the public for patience and cooperation throughout the rehabilitation process.

“Motorists are profoundly enjoined to exercise patience, prudence, and civic obligation,” he said, noting that the effort was part of government’s larger strategy to improve road safety and infrastructure in Lagos.

The second phase of the project comes after the successful completion and reopening of the first phase, with officials expressing optimism that compliance will help ease the burden on commuters.

The Lagos State Government has announced the early completion of the first phase of the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge rehabilitation, inbound Alapere, finishing the work in 39 days instead of the initially scheduled 50 days.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, described the achievement as a sign of governmental efficiency and residents’ support, saying the milestone was reached 11 days ahead of schedule.

“Your steadfast support has been the linchpin of this accomplishment,” Hon. Giwa said, applauding the patience, cooperation, and civic responsibility demonstrated by residents and commuters.

Praise for traffic officers and public patience

Hon. Giwa also commended the officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for ensuring smooth traffic flow during the works.

“I convey profound appreciation to the gallant officers of LASTMA for their relentless vigilance and unremitting commitment in sustaining traffic order and ensuring unhindered mobility throughout the rehabilitation period,” he said.

Second phase to begin immediately

The Special Adviser confirmed that the second phase of the project will commence without delay. He urged road users to continue using the designated alternative routes and to remain patient as work progresses.

“Let us remain steadfast in patience, exercise foresight in our journeys, and uphold our unity as we collectively progress toward the completion of this critical Ogudu/Ifako Bridge — a transformative infrastructure poised to significantly enhance urban mobility and stimulate socio-economic vibrancy in Lagos,” Giwa added.

Government commitment to long-term infrastructure

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that improves public safety, reduces traffic congestion, and supports economic growth.

In a decisive crackdown aimed at restoring sanity on Lagos roads, the Lagos State Government has sealed the Vaniti Club House, situated along Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria Island, for repeated and willful violations of traffic laws.

The enforcement, carried out by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), was led by the agency’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki. The operation followed months of warnings, sensitisation campaigns, and stakeholder engagement, all of which the club reportedly ignored.

According to LASTMA, Vaniti Club House had become notorious for encouraging illegal roadside parking and obstructing public roadways—actions that violate the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

“This enforcement initiative is not a one-off occurrence. It marks the beginning of a broader and sustained compliance campaign. We are actively monitoring other clubs, event centres, lounges, and recreational facilities, particularly those that persist in impeding traffic flow by commandeering public roads and adjoining streets for private use,” said Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki.

The state government said the club’s activities had caused severe congestion and safety concerns in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.

Defiance Despite Multiple Warnings

The club management, according to LASTMA, remained defiant despite numerous warnings and engagements.

“Despite a series of exhaustive sensitization efforts including sustained public enlightenment campaigns, direct stakeholder engagements, and multiple official warnings, the management of Vaniti Club House has remained intransigent,” the government noted in a statement.

Officials confirmed that the closure is indefinite and will remain in place until the club demonstrates full compliance with all traffic regulations and associated safety laws.

Law and Order in the Urban Centre

The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, explicitly prohibits any form of obstruction that impairs the free movement of vehicles or endangers road users. Violations are considered serious offences and attract legal consequences.

The government reiterated that ensuring traffic order and communal safety remains a top priority as part of its wider vision to develop a functional and livable megacity.

Residents Urged to Report Violators

The public has been encouraged to report other clubs, lounges, or event centres that obstruct roadways or pose public safety risks to the dedicated LASTMA hotline: 0800-00-LASMA (080000527862).

“The Lagos State Government, via LASTMA, reiterates in the strongest terms its zero-tolerance policy toward any person, corporate body, or social enterprise that constitutes an impediment to traffic orderliness or endangers the commuting public,” the statement added.

Looking Ahead

This latest action signals what officials describe as the beginning of a more assertive traffic compliance strategy across the city. Other businesses that fail to align with traffic laws may soon face similar enforcement.

The Lagos State Government says it remains fully committed to ensuring that Lagos becomes a safer, more disciplined, and efficiently regulated urban environment for all.