Lekki-Ikoyi Toll – Gov’t to commence collection

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to resume tolling at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge starting from March.

“The toll fees will be collected electronically, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for commuters.

The toll rates will remain the same as before, with N300 for cars and N400 for SUVs and commercial buses.

The tolling hours will be from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday”. The Gov’t said

The government has also assured commuters that the revenue generated from the toll fees will be reinvested to ensure safe driving.

Despite encountering strong objections from the local residents, as per information obtained by Sahara Reporters.

On the night of October 20, 2020, Nigerian soldiers discharged their firearms at numerous Nigerian youths who were actively protesting against police brutality at the tollgate.

This incident, which took place during the #EndSARS protest, resulted in the tollgate becoming the focal point.

The demonstration was against police brutality and related issues that were being championed by the youth.

Consequently, the tolling operations at the tollgate were temporarily suspended in response to the events that unfolded.

Furthermore, the suspension of tolling operations also extended to the nearby Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, which is under the management of the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

However, reliable sources have informed Sahara Reporters that the state government has now made the decision to resume tolling operations at both the tollgate and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, despite the public outcry against this course of action.

Lagos State Governor (Babajide Sanwo-Olu) has said there is no going back on the Lekki toll fee beginning in the first week of March 2024.

“Training is ongoing for Admiralty Link Bridge at Ikoyi to commence first week of March,” a government source said.

In the month of March in the year 2022, the State Gov’t made an announcement regarding the resumption of tolling at the Lekki tollgate.

It was stated that the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) had accumulated a substantial debt of billions of naira to both local and foreign lenders.

This decision was made in order to address this financial obligation.

The management of the LCC released a statement explaining that this suspension was to provide time for residents to register for electronic toll devices

The management further emphasized that the resumption of toll collection was as a result of extensive consultations with various key stakeholders.

These stakeholders included the Residents’ Associations, Traditional Rulers, community leaders, professional bodies, and the Lagos State Government.

However, it is important to note that the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association expressed their dissenting opinion on this matter.

They firmly rejected the idea of tolling at the bridge, asserting that it would only exacerbate the hardships faced by the residents of Lekki.

In conclusion, the state government and the LCC management have made efforts to consult with relevant stakeholders.

But there remains a divergence of opinions regarding the resumption of tolling at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.