Lagos, Ogun deploy traffic officers to tackle Lagos-Ibadan Expressway gridlock

The Lagos and Ogun State governments have deployed additional traffic personnel to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to address the severe congestion surrounding the Kara Bridge corridor. This decision came after a multiple-vehicle crash and ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge caused a prolonged gridlock that stranded motorists and commuters for several hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the tanker involved in the latest obstruction had been cleared by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. However, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olawale Musa, attributed the worsening situation to motorists driving against traffic. He announced that more traffic officers would be deployed to manage the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and improve traffic flow, working alongside the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, and LASTMA.

LASTMA's General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized the agency's continuous efforts to ensure smoother traffic flow and urged motorists to remain patient and avoid driving against traffic. Bakare-Oki suggested alternative routes, such as the Ikorodu Garage–Ogijo–Sagamu route or the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, mobilized the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency to assist with traffic coordination and clear obstructions around Kara Bridge.

He urged motorists to approach the area cautiously, avoid driving against traffic, and refrain from creating additional lanes. Abiodun emphasized the state government's priority to protect lives, maintain order, and minimize commuter inconvenience, promising continued monitoring and deployment of resources until normal traffic flow is restored.