Mixed reactions trail increase in tolls on Lekki-ajah Road

AS the upward review of toll fees at the Lekki and Ikoyi Link Bridge toll plazas took effect yesterday, some motorists plying the corridor have expressed mixed feelings over the increase. The Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) had announced that the increment was due to current economic and business realities that had impacted on the cost of servicing its loan obligations. It said that it took the decision following an “extensive consultations held with stakeholders in the EtiOsa/lekki-epe Expressway.”

Some of the road users said the increase would increase hardship while others believed it was in line with current economic realities. A commercial bus driver, who pleaded anonymity, said: “We are sad about this development. However, we have decided to obey the rules and pay the necessary fare, but this will not affect our normal transport fare.

“The current toll fee of N100 for commercial buses would have been more if not for the intervention of our leaders and in return of the gesture, we have decided not to hike the transport fare.”

Mrs. Jane Alichi, an interior decorator in Ikoyi, appealed to the state government to consider the economic situation in the country and look for other avenues to absorb the cost.

A civil servant who lives on the Lekki-ajah axis, Mr. Ehijimeto Modu, appealed to the state government to improve the efficiency of the alternative route for motorists. “They have left the alternative route ineffective to force all of us to be using the toll gate. Now they have increased the toll, it is not fair at all,” he said.

However, an engineer, Mr. Gbenga Akinlolu, said any increase that would guarantee efficiency of service delivery was good.