Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Lekki Concession Company Limited, LCC, has suspended resumption date of toll collection at the Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza indefinitely.

Toll collection was earlier scheduled to begin on April 16, 2022.

Meanwhile, after several engagements with critical stakeholders, LCC decided to shift the resumption date of toll collection at the Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza, till further notice.

According to a statement signed by the Managing Director of LCC, Yomi Omomuwasan and made available to newsmen on Friday, the company decided to delay the resumption of toll collection for further consultations with key stakeholders in the Eti-Osa, Lekki area, in a bid to address their concerns and arrive at a mutually favourable resolution of all issues.

Besides, the shift became necessary to give customers more time to register for the electronic devices.

The statement read in part: “As a responsible organization, we must take full cognizance of everyone within the axis.

“Therefore, we want to continue with the ongoing engagements with our stakeholders.

“The preparatory operations to resume tolling on the Bridge have been smooth so far, and we are grateful to all the key stakeholders for their cooperation.

“The planned commencement of toll collection has now been postponed, allowing more of our customers to register for the electronic toll devices to enable seamless passages at the toll plaza.”

This development is coming after series of meetings in the last week between the management of LCC and key stakeholders, including residents’ associations.

“Talks with key stakeholders will continue, while a new date for toll collection will be announced soon,” Mr. Omomuwasan said.

Recall that Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had conceded to make some concessions over the planned resumption of tolling to the Ikoyi Link Bridge, and Lekki-Epe Expressway areas of the state.

Sanwo-Olu, while agreeing on the concessions, however, sought cooperation and understanding from residents and stakeholders in the meantime.

The governor spoke at a meeting with the stakeholders on the resumption of tolling at Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge and Lekki-Epe Expressway at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday evening.

Personalities at the meeting, included: leaders of the Lekki Residents Association, LERA, Lekki Residents and Stakeholders Association, LERSA.

While government representatives, besides Mr. Governor, were: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Lekki Concession Company, LCC Managing Director, Yomi Omomuwasan and LCC Board member Obafemi George.

Also at the meeting were: President of LERSA, Olorogun James Emadoye, Vice President of LERSA, Arc. O.P.A. Ladega, Financial Secretary, LERSA, Mr. Keji Olajide, Director of Stakeholders Engagements, LERSA, Mrs. Chika Allison-Idalah, Chairman of Infrastructure Committee, LERSA, Sulyman Bello, Chairman of Lekki Phase 1 Estate Residents Association, Mr. Yomi Idowu, Mr. Sony Irabor, Mr. Demola Folarin, Mr. Seni Adio,, Mrs. Eniola, and Mr. Paul Kogoro, all of LERA.

Meanwhile, during the session which lasted for several hours, the guests explained their position on the matter and demanded for some concessions.

The governor, having listened to each speaker, agreed to make some concessions after showing evidence of LCC’s financial situation and why tolling should resume at the plaza.

Omotoso, speaking on the development, added that the “LCC management would soon be announcing details of the concessions, following Mr Governor’s directive.”