30th December, 2010
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State , South West Nigeria, has at last bowed to pressure by suspending the proposed toll collection on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The State Government and the Lekki Concession Company Limited, LCC, planned to introduce tolls on the road by 3 January, 2011. Okada riders plying the road were supposed to pay N50 as toll while tricycle, commercial bus operators and private car owners would pay N80 and above.
According to the government, the suspension was indefinite and this has put to rest endless time agitation and protest against toll collection by residents of the area.
In a press statement signed by the Director General of the Lagos State Public- Private Partnership Office, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, the State Government said the suspension was to enable the government to further engage with the concessionaire, LCC and the concerned stakeholders.
“As a listening and responsive government, and in deference to appeals by well- meaning citizens and a further demonstration of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the yearning of the people, Fashola has directed the indefinite suspension of toll collection on the Eti -Osa Lekki Epe Expressway originally billed for the 3rd of January 2010.â€
The statement added that in the intervening period, the government would work with LCC to ensure that the road works progressed considerably and that alternative routes, for which the government had responsibility, were substantially completed.
It added that this would ensure that road users who desired not to pay tolls would have the option as well as the benefit of enjoying a significant part of the completed road sections.
“In addition, government will be addressing the financial implications of this suspension with the concessionaires and their financiers to maintain the integrity and investor friendly posture of the state,†it stated.
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