The Federal Government has sustained the 10 PM curfew in Lagos State despite the ongoing partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge which is expected to worsen the traffic congestion in strategic parts of the state.
The Federal Government had through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on June 2, 2020, imposed a curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM nationwide.
However, with the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge, it is expected that traffic congestion will increase in some parts of the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had disclosed that only about 25 per cent of the regular traffic on the bridge would be affected while 75 per cent of vehicles that normally ply the route will still have access to move on the bridge during the period of repair.
When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, said there had not been any communication to the effect that the curfew had been relaxed.
Elkana said the government had announced alternative routes which motorists could use, adding that this would cushion the effect of the partial closure of Third Mainland Bridge.
When contacted, the Spokesman for the Minister of Works and Housing, Hakeem Bello, said, “There is an interface with the Lagos State Government. I expect that the state government will handle it.
I will advise you direct your enquiry to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos but I will find out from the police commissioner to find out what is happening.”
The Third Mainland Bridge which spans over 11.8km is reported to be the busiest in Nigeria.
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The bridge along with the Carter Bridge and Eko Bridge connects Victoria Island to the mainland.
In a related development, the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that over 650 Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials will be deployed to control and monitor traffic on Third Mainland Bridge during the partial closure.
The Governor spoke while receiving the new Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Lagos, Commodore Olusegun Ogungbemide, at the State House, Marina.
Ogungbemide told the governor that 250 FRSC operatives would be deployed to work with LASTMA to maintain traffic on the bridge and alternative routes.
