GM LASTMA URGES MOTORISTS TO EXHIBIT ABSOLUTE COMPLIANCE AND UNCOMPROMISING OBSERVANCE OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AS THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENCES THE SECOND PHASE OF OGUDU–IFAKO BRIDGE REHABILITATION
In steadfast pursuit of its avowed mandate to guarantee the uninterrupted mobility of persons and goods across Lagos amidst the execution of critical infrastructural interventions, the Lagos State Government has announced its full preparedness for the commencement of the second phase of extensive rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area, following the successful completion and reopening of the first phase.
This second phase, which entails the holistic restoration of the bridge’s expansion joints inbound Lagos Island, is scheduled to extend from Tuesday, 19th August 2025, through Wednesday, 1st October 2025. Conscious of the attendant implications for vehicular circulation, the Government has meticulously designed an execution matrix underpinned by strategically defined traffic diversions, purposefully crafted to mitigate disruption and sustain commuter convenience.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that motorists commuting along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway/Lagos Toll Gate axis inbound Oshodi and Victoria Island will be subjected to a controlled diversion at the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge. In this regard, vehicular traffic will be streamlined into a single lane approximately 50 metres before the designated work zone, with full access restored 50 metres beyond the construction site.
He elaborated further that motorists destined for Oshodi may advantageously employ the Ojota Slip Road, seamlessly linking to Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park).
“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.”
Moreover, he advised motorists originating from Ikeja and adjoining precincts to traverse through Maryland, connect with Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, and thereafter proceed via Eko Bridge to Outer Marina and adjoining corridors. Alternatively, they may link Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park) to Oshodi and pursue their onward destinations.
Reasserting the Government’s commitment to ameliorating commuter discomfort, Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasised that LASTMA officers have been strategically deployed across the affected corridors to ensure vehicular fluidity, enforce lane discipline, and guarantee swift operational response to emergencies.
He passionately appealed for the unwavering cooperation of road users, stressing that scrupulous adherence to the traffic advisory and unreserved compliance with the directives of LASTMA personnel remain indispensable to the preservation of order during the rehabilitation exercise.
“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 disclosed that mini and heavy-duty towing apparatus, together with other requisite road infrastructure, have been strategically stationed along diversion routes and critical intersections within the metropolis to promptly address breakdowns, vehicular mishaps, or other exigencies, while also guiding motorists appropriately.
While lauding the commendable cooperation exhibited by motorists and members of the public during the first phase of the rehabilitation works, he urged for continued collaboration and civic discipline throughout the present phase. He further implored the public to promptly report incidents or emergencies before, during and after the period of works via LASTMA’s dedicated hotline: 080000527862.
Mr. Bakare-Oki sternly warned that any motorist found contravening traffic laws, indulging in reckless indiscipline, or engaging in the outlawed practice of driving against traffic (‘One-way’) across the State shall be prosecuted expeditiously before the Lagos State Mobile Court.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
