FRSC Issues Stern Warning Against One-Way Driving During Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Bridge Repairs

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a strict warning to all motorists, including drivers of security and government vehicles, against driving against traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. This advisory follows the commencement of critical repair works on the Kara Bridge section, which began yesterday and is expected to last at least two months.

The Federal Ministry of Works announced a six-week partial closure of the expressway last week to facilitate repairs on expansion joints at three key bridges: Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and the Arepo, Punch Bridge. The closure aims to address long-suspended rehabilitation works on the Lagos-bound lane of Kara Bridge, a project delayed due to widespread complaints over severe traffic congestion.

Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, emphasized that driving against traffic, , specially by those in official vehicles, constitutes an abuse of office and will not be tolerated. “Reports of some security and government vehicles driving against traffic despite restrictions are unacceptable,” Hamzat stated during a briefing with journalists. He noted that penalties from the offenders’ own agencies often exceed FRSC sanctions, as such actions “stain the agency and the person in question.”

Hamzat explained that the damaged sections have been the site of multiple accidents, as motorists swerve to avoid oncoming vehicles driving unlawfully. He also identified vehicle overloading as a major cause of road deterioration and announced that weighbridges will be deployed to curb the practice. The Sector Commander appealed for patience and compliance from the public, underscoring that the repairs are being conducted in the interest of long-term safety.

To enforce order, joint teams comprising the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army have been deployed along the corridor. Several violators have already been arrested, and patrols will remain throughout the repair period.

Earlier, Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologized for the inconvenience caused by the repairs. He assured that improved traffic management plans are being implemented to ensure both efficient and durable restoration work. Komolafe confirmed that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing serious safety risks, a concern that prompted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to order urgent intervention.

Currently, repair efforts are focused on two expansion joints on the Kara Bridge, with work underway on both sides using fast-curing materials to accelerate the process and minimize disruption.