Lagos suspends BRT enforcement to relieve traffic congestion during Ifako Bridge repairs. Move aims to ease flow and improve mobility across affected corridors

Lagos suspends BRT enforcement in a strategic move aimed at reducing traffic congestion caused by ongoing structural repairs on the Ifako Bridge.

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The Lagos State Government has temporarily lifted Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane restrictions on Eko Bridge and the Odo Iya-Alaro corridor.

This emergency measure is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands of commuters struggling with mounting delays, especially during peak hours.

The temporary suspension is already in effect, allowing general vehicles to access lanes previously restricted for BRT use.

The directive was sanctioned by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa. It forms part of the state’s tactical interventions under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which emphasises smart mobility solutions and infrastructure resilience.

“We are fully cognisant of the immense strain currently imposed on key ingress routes into the Lagos Mainland,” Giwa stated. “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.”

Repairs on the Ifako-bound expansion joint have significantly reduced the road capacity on the Third Mainland axis. The effect has rippled across adjoining areas, clogging access points and testing the patience of motorists.

By suspending enforcement on select BRT lanes, authorities hope to absorb some of the traffic overflow and shorten travel durations for both private and commercial drivers. The decision, while temporary, is tailored to ensure that vital mobility channels remain operational.

However, safety protocols remain in full force. Commercial buses and articulated trucks are still required to comply with standard loading rules and must adhere strictly to road safety guidelines. Authorities have warned that violations could undermine the effectiveness of this relief measure.

To maintain order and prevent abuse of the relaxed rule, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has deployed additional personnel to affected zones. Monitoring equipment has also been set up to track compliance and quickly intervene when necessary.

LASTMA General Manager, Bakare Oki Olalekan, confirmed the agency’s enhanced presence. “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 during this period,” he said.

This effort is part of a larger operational framework being executed during the repair timeline. The government wants to ensure that short-term flexibility does not devolve into chaos, particularly along historically congested stretches.

Motorists are advised to remain patient and to use alternative routes when feasible. Commuters are also encouraged to adjust travel schedules and stay informed via official digital platforms, live radio updates, and the LASTMA toll-free hotline, 0800-0052-7862 (0800-00LASTMA).

Feedback from road users so far has been largely positive, with many praising the government’s willingness to adapt traffic policies in real time.

“This shows that someone is listening,” said a commuter who drives daily from Ojuelegba to Yaba. “For the first time in weeks, I made it to work on time.”

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to responsive governance. Officials affirmed that the decision to suspend BRT enforcement was taken only after weighing the wider impact on travel patterns and public convenience.

More importantly, the move aligns with the administration’s overarching commitment to evolving infrastructure without crippling daily life. As the repairs on Ifako Bridge progress, the state promises continued monitoring, swift adjustments, and public communication.

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Lagos suspends BRT enforcement not just as a stopgap, but as part of a flexible, dynamic approach to governance that prioritises citizen mobility above rigid protocol.