LASG, LCC Seek Stakeholders’ Cooperation on the Reopening of Lekki Link Bridge Toll Plaza

The Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians, especially those residing along Lekki and Ikoyi, to cooperate and show understanding ahead of the proposed reopening of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza by the Lekki Concession Company Limited, LCC on April 1 (tomorrow)

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho and his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Frederick Oladehinde and that of Home Affairs, Prince Anofi Elegushi made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday at The Lekki Coliseum in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

They assured the residents that the State Government would look into all the requests and recommendations made by the stakeholders and respond appropriately. We

The meeting which was held to engage key residents on LCC’s plan to reopen the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza, was attended by key stakeholders including the President of Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Olorogun James Emadoye; human rights activists, and many other residents of Lekki, among others.

The stakeholders had advised the relevant authorities to halt the proposed reopening of toll at the link bridge due to the current economic hardship which they believe would be aggravated by the return of the toll.

Responding to the key stakeholders, Mr Omotoso urged them to also consider the welfare of people who are in the employ of the company and how the non-payment of toll had been affecting their income.

He said “Lagos is a city of about 25million people and out of the 25million people there are about six million taxpayers and among six million taxpayers, only 4.2million are active taxpayers. So, let us reflect on all these things. I know how people feel and I understand what has been said but I believe that the matter at hand is about seeking your understanding. It is a matter of showing some compassion for people who have one thing or another to do with this company.”

On his part, Dr. Oladehinde said the decision of the government was not aimed at punishing the people but to create an enabling environment for more jobs through private sector participation.

“The only way to create jobs is to create an environment where we can attract the private sector to build more infrastructure in the state. Let us look at the issue from the view that we are trying to resuscitate the economy of Lagos State,” he said.

His Home Affairs counterpart, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, appealed for cooperation from the people, saying “we must all work together.”

In his address, LCC Managing Director, Mr. Yomi Omomuwasan, said the resumption of operations was necessary for the company not to default on its payment of local and international loans as well as to cater for the welfare of its workers.

He said LCC had also introduced new technology and innovation to make movement at the Toll Plaza seamless and faster for commuters

Mr Omomuwasan explained that though tolling would kick off officially on the 1st of April but motorists would be given a two-week free access at the toll plaza, and payments for access will start on the 14th of April, 2022.