- Mohammed Hassan, MD of Lekki Concession Company says charges for the Lekki-Epe expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge tolls fare was not sufficient for maintenance
- Hassan notes that the decision was made after series of discussions with stakeholders like traditional rulers, community leaders and residents' associations
- He promises motorist that they will enjoy discounted passages as contained in the review
The Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) says from Thursday, January 1, motorists using the toll gate at the Victoria Island end of the Lekki-Epe expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge will be charged at a higher toll fees.
For now, cars are charged N120, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) N150 and commercial buses N80 at the toll gate, while cars pay N250 and SUVs, N300 at the bridge, The Cable reports.
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While speaking on Thursday, January 25, Mohammed Hassan, managing director of LCC, said the charges were no longer sustainable due to the current business realities and the increase in the cost of operation.
Hassan noted that after several consultations with the various stakeholders using the Lekki Peninsula corridor, the toll review was agreed on.
The statement on the review read: “Following extensive consultations held with stakeholders in the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway of Lagos state, the Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC), has announced a review in toll tariffs at the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza with effect from Thursday, February 1, 2018.”
“The toll fare increase is as a result of current economic and business realities that have adversely increased the cost of operations and maintenance of the company’s loan obligations.
“Since the commencement of tolling in December 2011, the toll tariffs had remained the same despite the continuous increase in the cost of operations to ensure that the toll plazas and the road infrastructure are well maintained.
“The toll review has also become necessary to enable the company meet its loan obligations to its local and foreign lenders, considering the fact that foreign exchange rates have continued to increase astronomically in the last couple of years. LCC cannot continue to operate or provide the services required from us if we do not review the toll tariffs”.
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According to Hassan, a lot of the stakeholders consulted, including traditional rulers and community leaders, residents’ associations and youth groups, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), agreed that there was a need for constant upgrade of road facilities, as the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe corridor was rapidly becoming an international economic hub for investors.
He encouraged motorists to key into the electronic platforms by registering for e-Tag, so that they can benefit from the discounted passages and faster throughput at the plazas.
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He assured the public that commercial buses would enjoy discounted passages, as transport fares will not be increased as a result of the reviewed tariff.
NAIJ.com reported that the photo of a Nigerian man chilling on Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge had made its rounds on social media platforms. The unidentified man was seen sitting beside his parked car with a bottle of wine beside him.
While no one knew what made him sit out in the middle of the road by himself, the two glasses of wine placed on the stool showed he was either expecting a guest or he posed for a photo shoot.
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Source: Naija.ng