Residents in Lagos and other stakeholders say the full reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge will spur business activities and overall economic growth in Lagos State and the country in general.

They spoke in separate interviews on Friday in Lagos, the day after the ever-busy bridge’s full reopening to traffic.

The full reopening came after the federal government completed months of rehabilitation work on the bridge.

At a stage in January, the Federal Ministry of Works announced a partial closure of the 11.8km bridge, which links the mainland to the island, the centre of business in Lagos.

From 12:00 a.m. to noon, the bridge was open for mainland inbound island travels, while those who intended to come from the island to the mainland were advised to use Eko Bridge.

From noon to midnight, motorists could access the bridge from the island to the mainland, while motorists from the mainland heading towards the island had to use Eko Bridge.

According to the authorities, the timings were selected to match the peak period traffic flow and reduce travel stress.

The measures resulted in congestion on the routes despite the deployment of traffic officers to the areas.

Many expressed relief at the full reopening on Thursday, saying it would create a more favourable economic environment for businesses and residents.

The federal controller of works in Lagos, Olukorede Keisha, said the reopening would benefit businesses and residents.

She said it would facilitate ease of business as traffic congestion would be reduced.

According to her, this can attract investment and stimulate economic growth.

Ms Keisha said there would be less travel time and reduced vehicle costs.

She noted that with smoother traffic flow, businesses could save on fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses associated with stop-and-go traffic.

The controller emphasised the impact the reopening would have on people’s health, saying that less time spent stuck in traffic congestion would mean less stress and fatigue for Lagosians.

She stressed that this could contribute to a more predictable and relaxing commute to improve the residents’ well-being.

Muda Yusuf, the CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, noted that the reopening of the bridge would have numerous positive impacts on the economy.

Sheriffdeen Tella, professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, said the bridge’s reopening would also promote the ease of doing business.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is the main connecting link to the main hub of commercial activities in Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos Island, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki are the main areas of commerce and headquarters for financial, industrial, and telecommunication giants in Nigeria.

“To that extent, the closure of the bridge had hindered physical business transactions, and its reopening should aid or promote the ease of doing business in Lagos,” Mr Tella said.

Iheanyi Achilefu, a merchant who sells suitcases at Balogun Market, said that the bridge’s reopening would likely make his business operations more efficient and profitable while also improving his quality of life.

Before the reopening, traffic congestion on alternative routes increased commuting times and transportation costs.

(NAN)