Lekki-Ikoyi toll gate: LCC owing $92m says Lagos govt

The Lagos State Government says it is economically unrealistic and investment unfriendly to keep the Lekki toll plaza shut.

Speaking while appearing on Arise News Morning Show on Wednesday, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the Lekki Concessions Company – managers of the toll plaza are indebted to the tune of $92.2m to foreign and local lenders.

He pleaded with motorists to show some understanding over the planned re-opening of Lekki Ikoyi Toll Gate.

He further pleased with Lagosians to be compassionate about the plight of the 500-strong LCC staff who have been out of work for 18 months.

“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,” Omotoso said.

“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 staff, about five hundred in number, also need to get back to work and earn their livelihood.

“The restoration of operations by LCCI follows extensive engagement with stakeholders, such as the residents association, traditional rulers, transport union and others, all of whom the State truly appreciates.”