Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has pleaded with motorists to show understanding over the planned re-opening of Lekki Ikoyi Toll Gate.
He spoke yesterday at Arise News Morning Show, about the plan by Lekki Concession Company (LCC), to open the tolling facility and run it free of charge for two weeks from 1st April, 2022. Collection of toll will begin two weeks after.
Expressing the need for Lagosians to be compassionate about the plight of the 500-strong LCC workers who have been out of work for 18 months, Omotoso said the company had huge debts to pay. LCC is owing local lenders N61.1 million and foreign lenders $31.1 million.
He said: “The re-opening will go ahead as recently announced by the Lekki Concession Company and toll will not be collected for the first two weeks to test run the new technology being installed there. This is to ensure people have a better way of paying at the toll gate.
“It is also economically unrealistic and investment unfriendly for the Toll Plaza to remain shut forever, as the company has financial obligations to discharge to its creditors, while its workers, about 500, also need to get back to work and earn their livelihood.
“The restoration of operations by LCC follows extensive engagement with stakeholders, such as the residents association, traditional rulers, transport union and others, all of whom the state truly appreciates.”
Speaking further, the commissioner said LCC is a major partner in the development of infrastructure on the Victoria Island-Lekki-Ikoyi-Ajah corridor and this has been expressed in the reconfiguration of the first, second and Ajah roundabouts to ease traffic as well as responding to security challenges to foster a safe and secure atmosphere for living and doing business.
According to him, those criticising the planned return of tolling are right “because they are free to express their opinion. We always talk about our rights and privileges; we should also spare a thought for responsibility.”