Lekki toll increase is unfair and discriminatory - Group blows hot, urges Ambode to do something about it

macfranc007 February 11, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Tunde Ososanya

- A human right group has expressed dissatisfaction over the increased toll charges at the Lekki-Epe expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge toll gates

- The group, Socio-Economice Rights and Accountability Project, called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to do something about it

- It described the toll increase as “unfair and discriminatory” and not in the interest of the public

A Human Rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Sunday, February 11 appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state to urgently do something about the increased toll charges at the Lekki-Epe expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge toll gates, NAN reports.

NAIJ.com gathered that SERAP made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, its Executive Director, in reaction to recent fares increase by the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

The LCC had on Feb. 1, increased the toll fare at the Admiralty Circle Plaza (Lekki-Epe expressway) from N120 to N200 for cars, N150 to N250 for Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), N80 to N150 for commercial buses and N100 for motorcycles.

At the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, saloon cars now pay N300 from N250, SUVs, mini vans, and light trucks now pay N400 from N300 and motorcycles will now pay N200.

SERAP, however, described the toll increase as “unfair and discriminatory” and not in the interest of the public.

Mumuni said: “In the face of rising poverty and economic inequalities across the country, the Lagos state government should be considering eliminating toll charges rather than allowing LCC to get away with overcharging citizens and residents, prioritising profits over the public interest.

“Unless the situation is satisfactorily resolved in the public interest, the government runs the risk of being viewed as beholden to special interests and out of touch with the public good.

“This latest increase in toll charges at the Lekki-Epe expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge toll gates is unacceptable, as it conflicts with the goals and commitment of the Lagos state government to provide basic public services to citizens and residents.

“It seems the agreement between the Lagos state government and the LCC is no longer serving the needs of citizens and residents.

“It’s time for Ambode to ensure and maintain a balance between the needs of the citizens and residents of Lagos state and the LCC.

“The authorities should respect and protect the right of protesters to demonstrate against the hike in toll charges and to voice their opinion.

“Accountability principles require the government to ensure that the activities of the LCC aligns with the policies and activities of governance, and that the LCC is not allowed to exploit its monopoly position to charge excessive rates.

“It is the duty of the Lagos state government as custodian of the public trust, to take the public interests into account in assessing the activities of the LCC.

“The government is further obligated to prevent unnecessary and unjustified harm to the public trust and interests."

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) said that from Thursday, February 1, motorists using the toll gate at the Victoria Island end of the Lekki-Epe expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge would be charged at higher toll fees.

While speaking on Thursday, January 25, Mohammed Hassan, managing director of LCC, said the charges were no longer sustainable due to the current business realities and the increase in the cost of operation.

Hassan noted that after several consultations with the various stakeholders using the Lekki Peninsula corridor, the toll review was agreed on.

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