By Again, LCC Announces New Toll Tariffs
The Lekki Concession Company Limited on Thursday announced a review in toll tariffs at the Admiralty Circle Plaza and Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza with an effect date of February 1st.
BlackBox Nigeria gathered that the new reviewed toll was arrived at after the company had consultations with stakeholders in the Eti-Osa and Lekki-Epe Expressway axis of Lagos State. It was learnt that LCC noted that the toll increase was inevitable as it is yet to increase it after it started in December 2011.
In a press statement released on Thursday, LCC disclosed that 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.
It will be recalled that the company had in early November 2017 announced an increase in the toll fares. Read More Here The increase which was then at 100% of the old fares was however stopped by the Lagos State Government and advised the company to reach out with relevant stakeholders before announcing new tariffs.
Mr Mohammed Hassan, the Managing Director of LCC noted that the feedback and recommendations received during the series of consultations held in December 2017 with stakeholders in Eti-Osa Local Government Area and its environs considerably influenced the new toll fares to be paid by motorists plying the Expressway and the Link Bridge.
Mr Hassan said, “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.
“The toll review has also become necessary to enable the company meet its loan obligations to its local and foreign lenders, considering the fact that 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”.
Many of the consulted stakeholders including traditional rulers and community leaders, residents’ associations and youth groups, Eti-Osa Local Government officials, members of the media as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Eti-Osa Local Government Area agreed that there was a need for constant upgrade of road facilities, as the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe corridor was rapidly becoming an international economic hub for investors.
Reacting to the new toll fares for branded commercial vehicles popularly called ‘Danfo’, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Jakande, Eti-Osa Local Government Chapter, Alhaji Taofeek Oluwa, commended the foresight of LCC in consulting with leaders and members of the NURTW in Eti-Osa LGA.
Oluwa noted that although the toll fare review by LCC was unavoidable, the NURTW was glad to know that LCC took their advice for a minimal increment on toll fare from N80 to N100 (N90 for eTag users) for commercial transport buses plying the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway.
“As long as LCC honours its agreement of our mutual understanding at the stakeholders’ meeting, we can confidently support LCC and the Lagos State Government by assuring that commuters will not suffer any increase in the fare paid to board branded commercial buses coming into or going out of Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway. Also, if the fare increase will improve the standard of the roads and provide more comfortable and safer journey for all road users, NURTW will be happy to endorse the toll fare review,” Oluwa added.
Hassan further urged motorists to take advantage of the electronic platforms by registering for e-Tag to enable them enjoy discounted passages and faster throughput at the plazas.
The LCC’s Managing Director said that commercial buses would enjoy discounted passages such that transport fares will not be hiked as a result of the reviewed tariff.
