Traffic Intensifies As Tinubu Visits Lagos

As President Bola Tinubu visits Lagos State today, gridlock is already building up in major parts of the state.

The gridlock is also on the road en route to Lagos Island and some other areas as a result of the closure of the Third Mailand Bridge for repairs.

Report gathered that commuters spent longer hours in traffic on adjoining routes, while trying to avoid taking the bridge on Wednesday following its closure for repairs.

According to a statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, on Monday, the closure of the bridge, which commenced at noon on Wednesday, February 28, will last till noon today, Thursday, February 29, 2024.

“The Federal Ministry of Works wishes to inform the motoring public that in continuation of the ongoing rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland Bridge, both bounds of the carriageways of the bridge would be closed to traffic from noon on February 28, Wednesday, to noon on Thursday, February 29, 2024; to allow the contractor execute a major aspect of the ongoing repair works on the bridge,” the statement said.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, in a post on its X handle, @Lamataonline, on Wednesday, said President Tinubu was expected to unveil the Red Rail Line.

It stated, “Lagos is abuzz with preparations as the President gears up to visit the city for the much-anticipated launch of the Red Line rail infrastructure.”

Recall that Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State conducted a test-run of the Lagos Red Line on February 24 ahead of the unveiling.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected tracks, rail corridors, and comfort facilities like cooling systems, handrails, seats, and safety features.

In a statement via his X handle, the governor said, “The Red Line Rail Project which I performed the groundbreaking on April 15, 2021 is a momentous step towards a connected and sustainable Lagos.

“Excitement is in the air as we gear up for the commissioning of the project by Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on February 29, 2024.”

Meanwhile, President Tinubu will depart Lagos on Thursday for a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar.

The visit, which is on the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will “further strengthen cooperation between the two nations in several areas, including security, cultural exchange, and economic development,” read a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.