Stakeholders in the Lagos economy have expressed optimism over the planned reopening of Lekki Toll gate which was shut 18months ago in account of EndSARs protest in the state.
They said reopening the toll gates now would be an added advantage for the state’s economy and the company handling the facility through robust economic environment and creation of job opportunities for all.
They also punctured those plotting protest against the reopening of Lekki Toll gate,urging them suspend such action.
The stakeholders reaction was sequel to planned reopening of the Toll gates on April 1st,2022 by the Lagos state government after their 18montgs on account of EndSARs protest in the state.
A source close to the company handling the Lekki Toll gate told Sunday Independent that it clearly,understood the sentiments that greeted the protest,its economic implications to Lagos and had sacrificed a lot on account of the losses it had continually suffered during the period in view.
He added that the company said it owes both local and foreign lenders billions of naira,in addition to the hundreds of its staff who had remained jobless since the gates’ closure with unsettling effects on the state’s economy.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show,Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy, disclosed that LCC owes local lenders about N11.6 billion and foreign lenders $31.1 million.
A Lagos based economist,Diran Thompson, told Daily Independent that while Lagos is still struggling to rebuild the economy battered by the protest, any uprising against avenues the state could boost same would be inimical to the ambitious 4th mainland bridge.
He added that some other PPP investors would be discouraged on account of the action that seems to promote the shut down of the toll gates.
Another source close to the company said despite the suspension of tolling operations, security Department comprising Personnel and Dedicated Agencies (Man O’ War, Police and LASTMA) did not relent in providing regular safety and security services to the company, members of the public and host communities.
