By Olusegun Olanrewaju
Lagos State Government has urged the people of the state, especially the residents of Lekki and Ikoyi, to show understanding ahead of the proposed reopening of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza by the Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC).

The appeal was made by the state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, and his counterparts in Transport, Dr Fredericks Oladehinde as well as Home Affairs, Prince Anofi Elegushi respectively during a stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday at The Lekki Coliseum in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

They assured the residents that the state government will look into all the requests and recommendations made by the stakeholders and respond appropriately.

The stakeholders meeting which was held to engage key residents on LCC’s plan to reopen the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza was attended by key stakeholders which included, the President of Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Chief James Emadoye; human rights activists, the media and several other residents of Lekki, among others.

Responding to the key stakeholders who expressed their views about the LCC decision to reopen the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza in April, Omotoso commended the speakers and implored them to show some understanding with the Lagos State Government.

He said, “Lagos is a city of about a 25million people and out of the 25million people there are about six million taxpayers and among six million taxpayers, only 4.2million are active taxpayers. So, let us reflect on all these things.

“I know how people feel and I understand what has been said but I believe that the matter at hand is about seeking your understanding. It is a matter of showing some compassion for people who have one thing or another to do with this company.”

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Oladehinde, who also appealed to the people not to be short-sighted, said the decision of the government is not to punish people but to create an enabling environment for more jobs through private sector participation.

Speaking earlier some of the speakers expressed their views about the plan to reopen the toll plaza, pleading with the State Government to halt the process for now.

The residents based their plea on the harsh economic situation in the country, saying that the tolling would aggravate the situation. In his response, Omotoso appealed to the residents to consider the number of Lagosians, whose sources of livelihood also depend on the Tollgate.

Meanwhile, the Lekki Concession Company has stated that tolling will kick off officially on the 1st of April but motorists will be given two-week free access to the toll plaza.

According to Omomuwasan, payments for access will start on April 14, 2022.