The Lagos State Government has announced the temporary suspension of Bus Rapid Transit lane enforcement along the Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro axis.
This measure is intended to ease the mounting traffic congestion resulting from the ongoing structural rehabilitation of the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge expansion joint.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, made this known on Wednesday, describing the move as both proactive and strategic to tackle the gridlock.
“This remedial measure, conceived as a palliative response to mitigate commuter hardship, aligns with the Lagos State Government’s forward-thinking and adaptive transportation strategy under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly within the framework of sustainable traffic management and infrastructure modernisation,” he stated.
Giwa reiterated the administration’s unwavering resolve to enhance road infrastructure and urban mobility. He emphasised that the suspension is only temporary and conditional, specifically structured to absorb the expected overflow of vehicles caused by the partial closure of the Ifako-bound carriageway of the Third Mainland corridor.
“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,” he said.
With immediate effect, this directive allows general vehicles to access the previously restricted BRT corridors on Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro, particularly during peak travel periods. This move is expected to expand the available road capacity and ease congestion at critical traffic points.
However, Giwa cautioned that commercial buses and articulated vehicles must continue to comply strictly with existing safety guidelines and loading regulations to prevent worsening road conditions or endangering public safety.
He added that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been mobilised to intensify monitoring and operational presence along the affected routes. “Enhanced personnel deployment and traffic equipment are now in place to ensure orderly conduct, prevent exploitation of the temporary suspension, and respond promptly to any emergent traffic disturbances,” he said.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, affirmed the agency’s readiness and efficiency in carrying out the State Government’s directive with 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 stated.
Bakare-Oki also encouraged motorists to explore alternative routes, adopt other modes of transportation where possible, and stay updated through official traffic advisories broadcast via radio, digital platforms, and the LASTMA toll-free hotline: 0800-0052-7862 (0800-00LASTMA).
“This interim policy underscores the government’s enduring commitment to responsive governance, citizen-centric planning, and intelligent traffic management, particularly in periods of infrastructural transition,” he added.
