‘Closure of Ijora Bridge worsens Apapa gridlock, affects port operations’

Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has lamented the worsening traffic situation in Apapa occasioned by the over two months closure of a section of the Ijora Bridge, outbound Apapa.

The STOAN chairman, Princess Vicky Haastrup, said the closure has further compounded the already chaotic traffic situation in the Lagos port community.

Haastrup, who said this in Lagos at the weekend while speaking with Daily Trust, alleged that the closure of the bridge, which links Apapa to other parts of Lagos metropolis through Wharf Road, was carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing more than two months ago without carrying out any visible activity on it.

“While one understands that Ijora Bridge needs attention and repair, it is wrong to shut a section of it down without any visible work being carried out.

“What has happened is the avoidable reinforcement of the Apapa chaos. The ApapaOshodi Expressway at the Tin Can Island Port end is no longer good for motorists while the Ijora-Wharf end, which is where every truck and other motorists squeeze themselves through, has been under repair for more than a year.

“The Ijora Bridge is the only way out of Apapa now and to close it down is nothing but a recipe for chaos,” Princess Haastrup said.

The STOAN chairman called on the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to order quick repair of the bridge so that it could be reopened to motorists “within the shortest possible time”.