Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge, a move expected to affect traffic along one of Africa’s busiest highways.
The road serves as the major corridor linking Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, to other parts of the country and plays a crucial role in the movement of goods and passengers.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the closure became necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works earlier suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge due to public complaints about severe gridlock.
Speaking with journalists at Kara Bridge on Saturday, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, said the expansion joints on the affected bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to road crashes.
He appealed to motorists for understanding, noting that the repairs were unavoidable. “The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that these repairs be carried out urgently,” Komolafe said, adding that work on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had already been completed, while repairs on the remaining sections, including the Ibadan-bound lanes, would begin during the closure period.
Also speaking, the project contractor from CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, disclosed that the repair works would last six weeks, with full construction scheduled to commence on Monday following equipment mobilisation.
“Safety measures, including barriers, warning signs, and lights, will be installed before diversions begin,” Duan said.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officials, warning that violators of traffic rules would be sanctioned.
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Mirian Gom 
Oluwafunbi Bello