The Lagos State Government has thrown open the inbound carriageway of the AFA Bridge on Agric-Isawo Road in Ikorodu, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of motorists and residents who have long suffered the indignity of flooding and a dilapidated old bridge.

This significant move came as part of an inspection tour by officials on Monday, led by Olufemi Daramola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure. He announced that commuters could now safely use the newly opened elevated section of the bridge, even as work continues on the outbound lane. "It’s bye to driving through the floodplain," Daramola declared, marking an end to what has been a persistent headache for the community.

The Agric-Isawo corridor has been notorious for its susceptibility to flooding, which has repeatedly brought movement to a standstill. Just last August 2025, the Afa River overflowed, submerging the old crossing and leaving many drivers stranded. In some cases, desperate pedestrians were seen using makeshift wooden stairs to reach the elevated sections of the bridge, a clear sign of the severe disruption.

This isn't a new problem. Back in 2018, residents were already telling news outlets about how heavy rains consistently made parts of the Agric-Isawo-Arepo Road impassable. Commuters were often forced to either trek through knee-deep water or pay exorbitant extra fares to get past the flooded zones.

Daramola, however, urged caution on the newly opened lane. He asked motorists to strictly adhere to temporary traffic management rules, respect speed limits, and generally drive with care while construction on the outbound carriageway is still ongoing. He also stressed the need to avoid unauthorised bus stops and loading zones around the bridge, while pedestrians were reminded to stick to designated walkways and stay clear of active construction areas.

For the residents, this opening is more than just a road project; it's a symbol of hope after years of enduring hardship. Abiodun Sunday, the General Secretary of the CDC Ikorodu West LCDA Road Committee, expressed the collective sigh of relief: "After years of patience, endurance and inconvenience, relief is finally here. No more wallowing through floodwater. No more climbing the staircase to get to the bridge deck."

Similar commendations came from traditional leaders. The Baale of Itowolo, Sikiru Aregbeshola, also lauded the government's efforts on the Itowolo Bridge, acknowledging its poor state had been a long-standing worry for his people.

The inspection team didn't stop at the AFA Bridge. They also visited the Maidan-Patele Link Bridge and Approach Roads at Mile 12. Residents in that area expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve access to their communities. This particular project gained prominence after the collapse of the former Maidan pedestrian bridge during a heavy downpour in July 2022, which had forced locals to rely on boats for crossing.

As a final word, Daramola appealed to the community to take ownership of the new infrastructure, urging them to help protect and maintain the roads and bridges. "Let’s all take possession of the road. Let’s manage it well. It’s taxpayers’ money that is used to provide it," he stated, reminding everyone that these are public assets funded by their contributions.

Background on the AFA Bridge

The AFA Bridge project, located on Agric-Isawo Road, is a crucial piece of infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. For years, the area has been plagued by perennial flooding, particularly during the rainy season, which would often wash away sections of the old crossing or render it impassable. This led to significant delays, economic losses, and considerable inconvenience for residents and commuters. The government's decision to construct an elevated bridge was a response to these persistent challenges, promising a more resilient and reliable route.

Other Projects Inspected

Beyond the AFA Bridge, the infrastructure team's visit included an assessment of the Maidan-Patele Link Bridge and its approach roads at Mile 12. This project serves communities that were severely impacted when the previous Maidan pedestrian bridge collapsed in July 2022 following intense rainfall. The collapse isolated residents, making boat transportation the only viable option for many, underscoring the urgent need for durable infrastructure in the region. The new link bridge is expected to restore essential connectivity and improve access for these communities.