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Lagos State suspends hike in tariff on Lekki toll-gate
Following a proposal by the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) to increase charges on both Lekki-Epe Expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge with effect from 8th November, 2017, the Lagos State government has suspended the hike.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lagos State, Steve Ayorinde, said on Friday in a statement that the suspension becomes necessary since consultations with stakeholders are yet to be concluded.
In a printed leaflet distributed to motorists at the toll gate and electronic messages sent to individuals that have the e-tag arrangement stated the adjustment of the toll as follows.
Commercial motorcycle popularly know as Okada that used to pay N50 will now pay N100 and N200 respectively at both toll gates while commercial bus will now pay N150 against N80 before.
Other price adjustment include salon cars and tricycle that pay N120 before while now go for N200 and N300 at both toll points. Heavy duty trucks and buses will be milked N1,000 as against N350.
Ayorinde explained “The attention of Lagos State Government has been drawn to the announcement of a proposed tariff hike on Lekki-Epe Expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge by the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
“The Lagos State government hereby informs the general public that the said tariff hike has now been put on hold as the necessary consultations with stakeholders are yet to be concluded.
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“While government recognises the need for periodic review of tariffs and any other levies appertaining to road infrastructure maintenance in the state, the public and critical stakeholders as the ultimate beneficiaries of such facilities must always be carried along at all times.
“Therefore, the proposed tarrif hike cannot be effected at this period in the interest of the public, while further consultations continue.”
Before the suspension, some Nigerians and users of the toll gate have been reacting to the proposal billed to take effect few days from now.
Why some said the proposed increase was well orchestrated plan to raise 2018 campaign fund, others are of the believe that it was borne out of wickedness considering that what they have been charging before was too high.
Reacting to National Daily’s finding why LCC deemed it necessary to hike the tariff, Adebola explained they cited cost of maintaining the road.
It was learnt that other reasons given for the proposed hike include buying diesel to power the street light on the road, general maintenance, payment of wages to various workers among others reasons.