David Umahi, the minister of works, has reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday, Umahi said permanent work on the bridge will commence in three weeks.
The minister said the contractors worked overnight to ensure that the bridge was ready for use
The closure of the bridge resulted in hours-long gridlock with commuters and motorists stranded on Wednesday in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.
On Monday, Olukorede Kesha, the federal controller of works in Lagos, announced the closure of the bridge for essential maintenance and rehabilitation work.
Kesha added that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May.
Following public outcry as a result of the bridge closure, Umahi ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge on Thursday.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, had apologised to residents for the gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.
Sanwo-Olu advised residents to conduct their businesses via online platforms in the next two or three weeks to avoid the traffic congestion.
The governor said the repair was necessary for the city, as the bridge — which is one of the oldest in the country— had begun to fail.
