Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents that the long-awaited Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be ready for public use by Christmas.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during an inspection of the ongoing construction works on the bridge, where he assessed the level of progress and the reasons for the delay in opening the facility.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the bridge, which was scheduled to be opened by the end of September, could not be made available due to the complex scale of work involved in installing a distinctive steel design inspired by traditional cane weaving, for which the Odo-Iya-Alaro area is known.

“We are installing more than 300 tonnes of steel, with the structure reaching a height of up to 25 metres,” the governor said.

He noted that the structure consists of four components. Three have been fully completed, with work ongoing to position and connect them, while the fourth component is yet to be installed.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the design is about 80 per cent complete. Contractors need a few more days to install the remaining component, after which LED lighting will be fitted to display different colours of Lagos and illuminate the structure.

The governor described the project as an example of innovation, stating that it involved designing and creating something that had not been done before.

Beyond easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Opebi, Mende and Ojota, Sanwo-Olu said the completed project would enhance the surrounding environment and create an attractive destination for recreation, culture and heritage.

He commended the contractors and officials of the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for their commitment, noting that they were working round the clock to deliver the project without compromising safety and quality.

The Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge, spanning about 5.04 kilometres, is expected to provide motorists with an alternative route and reduce pressure on adjoining roads such as Allen Avenue, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and Ikorodu Road when fully opened to traffic.

Although the bridge was commissioned in April 2026 during a visit by President Bola Tinubu, it has remained closed to motorists pending the completion of the additional architectural features and complementary works.