Fresh traffic concerns have erupted across Lagos following the announcement by the Lagos State Government that the outbound section of the iconic Eko Bridge will be shut down for emergency safety investigations and repair works beginning Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The development, which is expected to trigger massive traffic diversions and commuting disruptions, was disclosed in an official statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
According to the government, the closure will affect the stretch of the bridge between Apongbon and Ijora Olopa on the outbound lane heading toward Lagos Island.
Announcing the drastic measure, Osiyemi said the shutdown became necessary to allow urgent safety checks and repair operations on the bridge infrastructure.
“The Lagos State Government has announced the emergency closure of Eko Bridge (outbound to Lagos Island) for safety investigations and repairs,” the commissioner stated.
He added that the closure would officially commence on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Motorists heading toward Lagos Island have now been redirected to alternative routes, with the government specifically advising commuters to make use of the Third Mainland Bridge to access their destinations.
“In view of the closure between Apongbon and Ijora Olopa, members of the motoring public are advised to use the Third Mainland Bridge to access their desired destinations,” Osiyemi said.
Despite the closure of the outbound lane, the government clarified that the inward Lagos Island carriageway of Eko Bridge would remain fully operational for motorists.
To avert total traffic chaos, the state government also disclosed that traffic management and security personnel would be strategically deployed across diversion routes to control vehicular movement and maintain order.
“Adequate traffic and security personnel will be deployed along alternative routes to guide motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow,” the statement added.
The announcement has already sparked anxiety among commuters and commercial drivers who fear the repairs could worsen the already notorious traffic congestion across major entry points into Lagos Island.
