Sanwo-Olu Declares Another Free Passage At Lekki, Ikoyi Toll Plazas On Wednesday

In furtherance of Lagos State Government’s real time traffic simulation survey being carried out with the aim of reducing traffic congestion around the Lekki-Epe and Ikoyi axes, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has again approved the opening of Lekki and Ikoyi toll gates during peak hours on Wednesday 17th July 2019.

A statement signed by the Governor’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile stated that a toll-free passage at the toll plaza on Lekki-Epe Expressway and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge would run between 6:30am and 9:30am in the morning, and also at the peak period in the evening (4:30pm to 7.30pm).

The statement reads: “Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared toll free for all motorists going and coming out of Lekki axis during rush hours tomorrow, Wednesday 17th of July 2019 to allow the State’s consultants complete the traffic simulation survey that was started a couple of weeks ago.

The toll-free hours, Sanwo-Olu stated, is to allow traffic consultants to the government carry out a comprehensive study of traffic flow around Lekki-Ikoyi-Victoria Island axes, which is part of the initiatives the government is bringing to diffuse vehicular gridlock in major Business Districts in the State.

According to the Governor, the cost of the toll fees for the study period will be borne by the government.

Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu said the State was undertaking a traffic study with a group of experts to know where the traffic would go when the tollgates are left open for steady movement.

“It is only when we do this activity at the peak hour that we will be able to understand how to deal with congestion in these places,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor said the undertaking was necessary for the government to take actions that would lead to the reduction of traffic on the axes by 50 percent. The resultant effect, he said, would lead to a decrease in travel time and improved productivity.

“We are restating our commitment to bringing about a quick journey time through our traffic solution. The way we want to do it is to have an online real-time study of what the issues are. We are going to analyse the dimension of observed challenges and discuss the next steps of the solution we are bringing,” the Governor said.

Never Seen Pictures of How Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge Was Built

The Lekki-Ikoyi bridge was built and commissioned by former Lagos State Gov, Mr. Babatunde Fashola on 29th of May 2013, the bridge is said to be an impressive pylon and cable-stayed construction, a technology never before used in Nigeria, the modern landmark connects two highly frequented districts – providing considerable relief to existing traffic routes in the economic center of Nigeria.

The bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge to be built in Nigeria and was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria. The bridge has a 9-metre headroom above the water level in order to allow for the flow of maritime traffic.

The bridge has become sort of celebrities bridge as you are bound to meet some celebrities on this bridge early in the morning doing their exercise, it was so unique that even Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg was pictured jogging along this bridge when he was in Lagos, faces like Mo Abudu, the CEO of Ebonylife, the MD/CEO of various banks use this bridge as their one-stop place for exercise.

As beautiful as this bridge is, no one knows how strenuous it is to get this edifice in place, according to Julius Berger, it was a difficult one coming to this type of bridge as it is new in Nigeria, no state has ever built anything close to this cable-style bridge before. We are able to get the behind the scene pictures of how this bridge was built and some other works.

Image Credit:
Julius Berger

Here are top 5 reasons why you may have to more for Lagos toll gates fees

This is a wake-up call to all Lagos residents to brace up for increment in toll gates across the state as from next week. Commuters who ply the Lekki-Ikoyi and Lekki-Epe expressways from February 1, 2018 will have to pay some additional fees according to the management of LCC.

According to the Managing Director of the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), Mohammed Hassan, the “current business realities and increasing cost of operation” means that the old rates will no longer apply.

The following are current rates at the Lekki toll gates:

Lekki - Epe toll gate

Cars--N120
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)--N150
Commercial buses--N80

Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge

Cars--N250
SUVs--N300
Commercial bus drivers aren’t allowed on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge. The new rates are yet to be announced.

Here are five reasons why the old rates at the tolls will no longer apply from next week:

1. Stakeholders have approved the rate increase

According to Hassan, consultations with stakeholders on the proposed hike, went particularly well.
“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,” Hassan said.

2. There has been no increase in toll fares since the gates were born

“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”, Hassan said.

 3. Hike is necessary so that LCC can pay off debts

In Hassan’s words: “The toll review has also become necessary to enable the company meet its loan obligations to its local and foreign lenders”.

4. The economic climate in Nigeria has become very tough

“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”, Hassan added.

5. Forex has shot up since 2011

“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”, Hassan said.
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The plan to hike toll fares was made public in November of 2017. However, the Lagos State government asked LCC to temporarily shelve the move.

Credit:
The Pulse.NG