Another difficult driving experience for Apapa-Ijora bridge drivers and commuters has unfolded again as the Federal Government shuts the bridge at the Mobil Road junction for emergency repairs. Due to the ongoing bridge repairs, all vehicles and trucks are required to use the marine bridge exit or the Mobil Road exit to reach the lower levels. Afterwards they are supposed to enter Apapa via the service lane. This round of closures, according to officials, will last three months.
According to records, this year’s closure marks the seventh time in the previous seven years that the Apapa-Ijora bridge has been closed to traffic. The bridge was closed for six months in 2016, four months in 2017, six months in 2018, five months in 2020, and three months in 2021. It was then closed for emergency repairs for three months in 2022, from January 7 to April 2. Motorists, particularly those who live in the port city and are forced to deal with similar closures on a frequent basis have criticized the current shutdown as “one event too many.”
Drivers should prepare themselves for more difficult times.
Apapa area was renowned for its terrible traffic conditions until the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State government worked together to implement the Eto App (a call up system) in February 2021 to regulate the flow of trucks into and out of the port city. Despite the app’s introduction, drivers and locals in the region are still vulnerable to unpleasant driving encounters. Every time the bridge has to be closed for maintenance, the situation escalates as the trucks and tankers using the route become disorderly and rowdy.
During the weekend, Sola Giwa, an official from Lagos state tasked with traffic management, issued a warning at the bridge, saying that drivers should prepare themselves for more difficult times. He mentioned this even when he assured that officials would strive to ensure a pleasant driving experience throughout the three-month detour. While acknowledging that there might be disruptions during this period, Giwa called on the people to be patient while the federal government repairs the bridge.
Trucks should not be permitted to use the Mobil Road exit.
Furtherly, he suggests that truck drivers utilize the service lane under the bridge to reach Leventis, arguing that drivers cannot afford the chaos that would result from trucks and private vehicles using the same route to Mobil Road. The weekend was a complete and utter mess, with trucks attempting to perform a U-turn on Mobil Road causing a massive traffic jam and many private vehicles being stuck in the middle of the congestion because they weren’t sure when it was safe to make their way into Apapa.
One of the residents of Apapa bemoans the traffic congestion in the neighborhood, which is caused by trailers attempting to do a U-turn, and suggests that trucks should not be permitted to use the Mobil Road exit in order to protect the residents’ mental health as well as their physical safety. In addition to the driving experience, which is, in all honesty, a living hell for them, the locals are also very wary about the potential threat to their safety that is posed by the traffic jam scenario. As a result, they implore the government for improved security in the area.
Residents of the area have also called for increased security.
Another local resident, who praised Giwa for his efforts to maintain order in the neighborhood, has also called for increased security, particularly in Ijora, to protect against armed robberies committed by individuals who will take advantage of the gridlock. Daniel Edward, an Engineer, has proposed that those in charge of the call up system should limit the number of trucks that are sent each day while the road repairs are ongoing. This would help lessen the burden that has been imposed by the current traffic scenario.
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FG closes Apapa-Ijora bridge again for repair – This year’s closure marks the seventh time in the previous seven years. – Express your point of view.
I actually don’t know when this Apapa Ijora will finally be done. We are very slow in carrying out these infrastructural projects. We really need to be on time.
The bridge has been closed due to structural defects and concerns over the safety of motorists and pedestrians who use it daily. The closure of the papa ijora bridge is a reminder of the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in its infrastructure to ensure the safety and prosperity of its citizens. The government must prioritize infrastructure development and eliminate corrupt practices to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The closure of Apapa-Ijora bridge will lead serious buildup of traffic around Apapa-Ijora areas. Quality job should be done in repair of that bridge to avoid unnecessary repairs.
Why should a bridge be repaired seven times in seven years. It is an indication of poor construction and the company in-charge should be held responsible for such. However, the closure of Apapa-Ijora bridge will result in serious traffic in other surrounding areas.
FG closes Apapa-Ijora bridge again for repair. All this repair be done very first, delay is affecting a lot of business and other activities. Good Work from government
This bridge need to be complete on time fully complete not this be closing and opening it for repair it should be done once it will affect people now traffic issue will occur now
This kind closure of bridge will really affect things it should be finished once and for all this is the seventh times they will be closing it
The petroleum industry ought to be aware that drivers are unable to tolerate the pandemonium where it would ensue if trucks and private automobiles traveled down the same road to get to Mobil Road.
Trucks and tankers that use the road become disruptive and boisterous every time the bridge is necessitated to close for upkeep since the situation always becomes worse when the bridge is needed to be closed.
To be honest, I have no idea when this Apapa Ijora will be completed. We move very slowly on these kind of infrastructure initiatives. It is crucial that we arrive on time.
Since this is the eighth time the bridge has been closed for maintenance, the process should be completed once and for all.
To establish an economy that is both supportive and environmentally friendly,, the federal government has to make the improvement of physical infrastructure a top priority while also rooting out unscrupulous business practises.
The current traffic situation has imposed a weight that should be alleviated by actions taken by our administration. These actions should help in minimise the burden.
It is very sad that when closing bridge in Lagos there will no ulternative for the road users which transportation more difficult and stressful for the people in the city and they say Lagos is a mega city.
Well the bridge was close for a greater good of maintaining it. But the trucks causing more difficulties should not be allowed along the axis for now.
The most important thing the Fede government should provide during this gridlock situation is absolute protection against robberies and those that have bad intentions to commit.
I feel the pain of the people staying in the area but they don’t have choice at this stage the road needs to be repaired to avoid further catastrophic scenarios and for smooth passage.
They need to fix that bridge as soon as possible. The closing and reopening is getting too much. The government need to start taking infrastructure seriously.
What justifies repairing a bridge seven times in seven years. It is a sign of shoddy construction, and the responsible company has to be held accountable.