FG retains 10pm curfew despite partial closure of Third Mainland Bridge

The Federal Government has maintained the 10pm curfew despite the Lagos State despite the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge which is expected to worsen the traffic congestion in strategic parts of the state, The PUNCH has learnt.

The Federal Government had through the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on June 2, 2020, imposed a curfew from 10pm to 4am nationwide.

The move was expected to prevent the resurgence of nightlife amid the raging pandemic.

However, with the partial closure of Third Mainland Bridge from 11.59pm on Friday, it is expected that traffic congestion will increase in some parts of the state.

Briefing journalists on Thursday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said only about 25 per cent of the regular traffic on the bridge would be affected while 75 per cent of vehicles that normally ply the route will still have access to move on the bridge during the period of repair.

When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, said there had not been any communication to the effect that the curfew had been relaxed.

Elkana said the government had announced alternative routes which motorists could use, adding that this would cushion the effect of the partial closure of Third Mainland Bridge.

He subsequently directed The PUNCH to the appropriate authorities.

When contacted, the Spokesman for the Minister of Works and Housing, Hakeem Bello, said, “There is an interface with the Lagos State Government. I expect that the state government will handle it. I will advise you direct your enquiry to the federal controller of works in Lagos but I will find out from the police commissioner to find out what is happening.”

The Third Mainland Bridge which spans over 11.8km is reported to be the busiest in Nigeria.