The commissioning of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge in Lagos has sparked public debate after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was absent from the high-profile event despite being in the state at the time.
The project, designed to ease traffic along the busy Ikeja–Maryland–Ojota corridor, was instead inaugurated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who performed the ceremony on behalf of the president.
The event, which had been widely publicised, led to major road closures and traffic disruptions across parts of Lagos, with commuters reportedly forced to trek long distances due to tight security arrangements in anticipation of a presidential appearance.
Although the Presidency later cited urgent state matters and security briefings as the reason for Tinubu’s absence, the development drew mixed reactions from residents and observers.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the bridge as a critical infrastructure project expected to boost connectivity and economic activity in the state. The multi-billion-naira link road is seen as a key intervention to address chronic congestion in one of Africa’s busiest cities.
However, concerns emerged shortly after the ceremony when it became clear that the newly commissioned bridge would not be opened to the public immediately. State officials indicated that finishing touches were still ongoing, with reports suggesting that full access could take additional weeks.
The situation has raised questions about planning and public communication, particularly regarding the timing of the commissioning and the scale of disruptions imposed on residents.
While some commentators defended the president’s absence as a result of competing national responsibilities, critics argued that better coordination could have reduced inconvenience to the public.
The episode highlights broader concerns about the balance between official ceremonies and their impact on daily life in Lagos, as well as the importance of aligning infrastructure delivery with public expectations.
Despite the controversy, authorities maintain that the project will ultimately provide significant relief to commuters once fully operational.
