In a bid to tame fast-worsening congestion caused by the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ifako Bridge expansion joint, Lagos State has temporarily suspended Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane enforcement on both Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro corridors.
Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, approved the measure as a short-term fix under the state’s THEMES Plus traffic-management agenda.
> “This tactical suspension gives motorists extra road space, slashes commute times, and keeps Lagos moving while repairs last,” Giwa explained.
Effective period Immediate—until Ifako Bridge carriageway reopens
Roads affected Eko Bridge, Odo Iya-Alaro (both directions)
Who can use lanes All vehicles during peak and off-peak hours
Rules still in force Safety, loading, and speed regulations for buses and articulated trucks
LASTMA on High Alert
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has deployed extra officers and equipment to the two corridors to:
Monitor lane sharing and prevent abuse
Clear stalled vehicles quickly
Provide real-time traffic updates through radio and social media
LASTMA GM Bakare Oki Olalekan urged drivers to “obey officers, maintain lane discipline, and show courtesy so everyone can benefit from the relief.”
Alternate Routes & Help Lines
Motorists are encouraged to:
1. Use Third Mainland Bridge off-peak, Herbert Macaulay Way, Funsho Williams Avenue, or Ikorodu Road as optional bypasses.
2. Stay tuned to LASTMA’s traffic radio and @followLASTMA for live advisories.
3. Call 0800-0052-7862 for emergency assistance.
Why It Matters
The state’s move highlights a bigger push for adaptive traffic management while key infrastructure is upgraded. By repurposing BRT lanes temporarily, Lagos hopes to:
Improve travel times for commuters caught in Ifako Bridge delays
Reduce fuel and productivity losses tied to gridlock
Maintain public confidence as the city modernises its transport network
Lagos will restore full BRT exclusivity once the Ifako Bridge project is completed and traffic flows stabilise.
