The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State have come to an agreement to toll some federal roads in both states. We will break down the details into 7 vital questions that reveal everything you should know.
Which Federal Roads Will be Tolled?
The three roads to be tolled are the Ikorodu-Ogijo-Sagamu, Epe-Ijebu-Ode and the Lagos-Ota-Abeokua roads. Drivers who use these roads will be expected to pay tolls to use the toll gates that will be constructed on these roads.
Why Did They Decide to Toll These Roads?
According to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the decision to toll these roads was premised on the need to make their maintenance easier. He explained that this would only be achieved if the roads are commercialised. Upon completion, it is expected to ease transportation of people between Lagos and Abeokuta.
How Will the Project be Executed?
To achieve their collective goal, the Lagos State government will work in collaboration with the Ogun State government. The plan is to engage in the public-private partnership in the rehabilitation and construction works that will be carried out on the three roads.
What Happened to the N26 Billion Debt Owed By Ogun State?
The Ogun State Governor, Abiodun has made it clear that his government still has N26 billion debt hanging on its neck over the construction of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway since the contract was signed 18 years ago in 2001.
Is There Any Plan to Offset the Debt?
The plan, according to Abiodun, is to pay N1 billion every year to service the debt the state has incurred over the construction of the road.
Are There Other Benefits to be Derived?
Abiodun explained that if the take-over and tolling of the three roads go as planned, it will reduce the population of divers using the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Does This Project have the Approval of the Presidency?
According to Abiodun, he and Sanwo-Olu met with the presidency and requested that the roads should be handed over to Lagos and Ogun State.
“He told us to put it in writing. We wrote a joint letter, which has our two logos on it. We both signed it and I personally handed it over to Mr President, and a few weeks ago, the president handed over the roads to us.”