Emmanuel lkpeama
In a proactive and strategic intervention aimed at ameliorating the growing traffic congestion precipitated by the ongoing structural rehabilitation of the Ifako Bridge expansion joint,the Lagos State Government has announced the temporary suspension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane enforcement on the bridge.
In a release signed by the Director Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, stated that the suspension is a proactive measure to mitigate commuter hardship and aligns with the state’s forward-thinking transportation strategy under the THEMES Plus Agenda.
He noted that the partial closure of the Ifako-bound carriageway of the Third Mainland corridor has led to increased strain on key ingress routes into the Lagos Mainland, necessitating this tactical suspension.
Hon Giwa stated that the directive allows general vehicular access to previously restricted BRT corridors on Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro during peak travel periods, expanding available road capacity and reducing congestion.
However, commercial buses and articulated vehicles must adhere to existing safety guidelines and loading regulations to maintain public safety.
“We are fully cognizant of the immense strain currently imposed on key ingress routes into the Lagos Mainland.
“Consequently, this tactical suspension of BRT lane enforcement is a calculated response designed to deliver immediate relief, reduce commuting time, and preserve the fluidity of vehicular movement throughout the duration of the bridge repairs,” the Special Adviser stated.
Investigator news reports that with immediate effect,this directive permits general vehicular access to previously restricted BRT corridors on Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro, particularly during peak travel periods—thereby expanding available road capacity and diffusing congestion along critical traffic nodes.
However, Hon. Giwa stressed that commercial buses and articulated vehicles must continue to operate in strict compliance with existing safety guidelines and loading regulations, to avoid compounding road inefficiencies or jeopardizing public safety.
Investigator news gathered that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been mobilized to intensify surveillance and operational presence along the affected corridors.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Bakare Oki Olalekan, assured that operatives are tactically deployed to monitor compliance, coordinate flow, and execute swift interventions as needed
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki Olalekan went further to affirm the agency’s operational readiness and responsiveness in executing the mandate of the State Government with both efficiency and strategic foresight.
“Our operatives are tactically deployed to monitor compliance, coordinate flow, and execute swift on-ground interventions as the need arises.
“We implore all road users to uphold traffic discipline and demonstrate civic responsibility as we work collectively to minimise disruptions during this period,” he remarked.
The Lagos State Government encourages motorists to consider alternative routes, adopt modal shift strategies, and stay informed through official traffic advisories via radio, digital platforms, and the LASTMA toll-free hotline: 0800-0052-7862 (0800-00LASTMA).
