The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed that UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote offered their private jets to help him address the traffic crisis caused by the temporary closure of a section of the Independence Bridge in Lagos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi appreciated the concern shown by the two prominent Nigerians, saying they even volunteered their planes to facilitate his swift intervention.
“And, of course, to Chief Elumelu and some other prominent Nigerians like Dangote, for their calls and encouragement. They even requested that they send their planes to carry us, and we said no,” Umahi shared.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the construction firms involved for their quick action in reopening the bridge. The Independence Bridge had been closed for repairs on April 2, 2025, following a technical failure of its approach slab. However, the bridge was quickly reopened thanks to the joint efforts of the Ministry of Works, the Lagos State Government, and construction companies such as Buildwell Nig Ltd and Hitech Nigeria Ltd.
Umahi further emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures when closing vital infrastructure and announced a new policy to manage future road and bridge closures. This policy will include stakeholder engagement and a feedback mechanism to ensure the public is well-informed about such closures and their duration.
The Minister reassured the public that efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure would remain a top priority.
