
Renowned Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw has voiced her frustration over the recent closure of the Independence Bridge in Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to severe traffic congestion on April 2, 2025. The sudden shutdown of the bridge left commuters stranded in gridlock for hours, triggering widespread outrage among Lagos residents.
Following intense criticism from the public, the Minister of Works ordered the reopening of the bridge in an attempt to alleviate the traffic crisis. However, Henshaw took to social media platform X to express her displeasure, criticizing the authorities for failing to plan the repairs properly and insisting that such work should have been carried out at night to minimize disruptions.
"In truly civilized nations, such work is done under the gentle cover of night when the city sleeps, and disruption is minimal. It’s a matter of respect, empathy, and COMMON SENSE. Now you want to open an already excavated bridge for damage control! Mscheeew," Henshaw wrote.
Her remarks struck a chord with many Nigerians, who took to the comments section to share similar frustrations. One user pointed out that this was not an isolated incident, referencing the previous closure of the Third Mainland Bridge and arguing that major road repairs should always be scheduled for nighttime to reduce inconvenience.
"Exactly my point yesterday while using that route via Leventis. I told those with me that this should be done at night. You don’t just decide to subject people to untold stress when a better alternative exists," a commenter lamented.
Another user shared an experience from Germany, where roadwork is typically conducted at 2 a.m. to prevent disruptions. They highlighted that such strategic planning benefits both the public and the government, which could otherwise face lawsuits for failing to meet project deadlines.
However, some commenters raised concerns about the quality of work if conducted overnight. "There are two sides to a coin. While I’m not excusing the consequences of this, how are we sure the engineers will deliver quality work if they operate at night? Again, our leaders need to do better. It still boils down to corruption," one individual remarked.
A frustrated commuter who endured the standstill traffic also expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s governance. "I had a long discussion with my friend on our way home, stuck in that six-hour-long traffic jam last night. From snakes swallowing JAMB money to the unnecessary redesign of the naira notes to announcing election results in the dead of night our politicians have no regard for us."
The frequent closure of major roads in Lagos continues to be a significant issue, with authorities often criticized for poor planning and a lack of consideration for the public. Henshaw’s outcry, along with the overwhelming reactions from Nigerians, underscores the urgent need for better governance and infrastructure management.