Fashola suspends Lekki expressway toll collection
By Mudiaga Affe
Thursday, 30 Dec 2010



Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday ordered the indefinite suspension of toll collection on the Eti-Osa Lekki Epe Expressway.



It was originally billed to commence on January 3, 2011 but the state government succumbed to appeals and complaints on the toll.



The suspension, according to the governor, is to enable the government to further engage with the concessionaire, the Lekki Concession Company Limited, and the concerned stakeholders on the proposed toll.



In a statement signed by the Director-General, Lagos State Public-Private Partnership, Ayo Gbeleyi, the government said it would use the intervening period to address the financial implications of the suspension with the concessionaires and their financiers to maintain the integrity and investor-friendly posture of the administration



Gbeleyi added that the government would also take advantage of the period to work with the LCC to ensure that the road works advanced considerably and that alternative routes pledged by the state government were completed.



He said, “This will ensure that road users who desire not to pay tolls have the option as well as the benefit of enjoying a significant part of the completed road sections.



“The government would like to seize this opportunity to once again thank all citizens and stakeholders who have been very supportive of the administration’s effort for a radical transformation of Lagos State for their continued understanding and support towards the successful delivery of the road infrastructure.”




http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201012302245315

Fashola suspends planned tolling on Lekki-Epe Expressway

News Dec 29, 2010 By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor & Olasunkanmi Akoni

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Wednesday, directed the indefinite suspension of planned toll collection on the Eti-Osa Lekki Epe Expressway billed to commence on Monday, January 3, 2011.

The suspension, acccording to government, is to enable it further engage with the concessionaire, Lekki Concession Company Limited, LCC and the concerned stakeholders to chart a new agreeable course.

Announcing the directive by the governor, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, Director-General, Lagos State Public-Private Partnership Office, PPPO, said the move became necessary due to appeals by well-meaning citizens.

According to Gbeleyi; “in the intervening period, the government would work with LCC to ensure that the road works progress considerably and that alternative routes (in addition to the one at Toll Plaza I that has been fully upgraded), for which the government has responsibility, are substantially completed.

“This would ensure that road users who desire not to pay tolls would have the option as well as the benefit of enjoying a significant part of the completed sections.

“In addition, government will be addressing the financial implications of this suspension with the concessionaires and their financiers to maintain the integrity and investor friendly posture of the state.

“The government would like to seize this opportunity to once again thank all citizens and stakeholders who have been very supportive of the administration’s efforts for a radical transformation of Lagos State for their continued understanding and support towards the successful delivery of the road infrastructure.”

How it all started

When in April 2006, the Lagos State government engaged Messrs Lekki Concession Company, LCC, to upgrade and expand the 49.5 kilometre Lekki-Epe expressway under a build-operate-transfer,BOT, model, many did not understand the full implications of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme designed to ease the usual traffic gridlock along the road.

But with the first phase of the project almost completed, the proposed collection of tolls on the road expected to commence on Monday generated sharp disapproval among residents of the highbrow neighbourhood.

While some residents were in support of the project, many others vehemently kicked against it. Their opposition is mainly based on the proposed collection of tolls.

The contractual agreement between the concessionaire and the state government provides for three toll plazas where users of the road will pay a stipulated fee before exiting the 49.5 kilometre road. Aggrieved residents of the area however claim that the plazas will not only fence them off their community but will also subject them to unfair financial burdens.

A traditional ruler who pleaded anonymity earlier told Vanguard that the project has numerous flaws. According to him, there was no due consultation with the leaders of the community before the project was embarked upon,

“The project will help the community in its own little way but only a section of the community was carried along while the rest were ignored by the stakeholders.

“My grouse is this: How can the government wake up overnight and decide to construct three toll gates in one community and expect residents to pay the tolls

“A lot of people are of the opinion that those of us living in Lekki are wealthy without considering the fact that many of us are still living in our father’s houses. Do they expect us to go and rob to pay the tolls?” he asked.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/12/fashola-suspends-planned-tolling-on-lekki-epe-expressway/

Lagos suspends toll collection on Lekki-Epe Expressway

Thursday, 30 December 2010

THE Lagos State government, on Wednesday, announced the indefinite suspension of the commencement of toll collection on the Eti–Osa Lekki-Epe Expressway.

In a press statement signed by the Director-General of the Lagos State Public-Private Partnership office, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, the state government said the suspension was to enable the government to further engage with the concessionaire, Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) and the concerned stakeholders.

“As a listening and responsive government, and in deference to appeals by well-meaning citizens and a further demonstration of the commitment of the state government to the yearning of the people, the governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has, today, directed the indefinite suspension of toll collection on the Eti-Osa Lekki-Epe expressway, originally billed for January 3, 2010,” the statement read.

It added that in the intervening period, the government would work with LCC to ensure that the work progressed considerably and that alternative routes were completed.

The statement added that this would ensure that road users, who desired not to pay tolls, would have the benefit of enjoying a significant part of the completed road sections.

“In addition, the government will be addressing the financial implications of this suspension with the concessionaires and their financiers, to maintain the integrity and investor-friendly posture of the state,” the statement added.

The government, in the statement, thanked all citizens and stakeholders who had been supportive of the efforts of the administration to transform Lagos State and lauded them for their continued understanding and support towards the successful delivery of road infrastructure in the state.

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/15482-lagos-suspends-toll-collection-on-lekki-epe-expressway

Lagos Residents Protest Against Lekki Toll Fee

Posted: January 3, 2011 - 17:53

By Citizen Reports

True to their threat, members of the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Residents and Indigenes Association (LEEISA) held a peaceful rally on the Lekki-Epe Expressway to protest the proposed toll fee to be charged on motorists and residents.

The Lekki Concession Company had initially announced commencement of tolling on the Lekki-Epe expressway for January 3, 2011, but the residents and stakeholders had embarked upon mass campaign against the project, leading to bulk sms and email messages to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. A case was also filed against the toll fee at the Lagos High Court by human rights activist and lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.


The governor eventually announced an indefinite suspension of the toll collection, but the residents insisted on outright cancellation and not suspension, of the toll fee. The rally was meant to draw awareness to the campaign for total cancellation.

As early as 6.30a.m. today, January 3, 2011, the leaders of the residents, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Mr. Ayobami Biobaku and members of the Heritage Group and leader of the Ajah Ilaje Association, Prince A. Ikuesan, had all converged on the Lekki Phase 1 roundabout for the rally. They were all wearing T-shirts with the inscription> “No to fencing, no to toll gate.” The police, lead by the DPO of Maroko Police Station, Mr. Ukoh, were on hand to offer protection to the group and to stop hoodlums from hijacking the event.

The rally commenced at about 8am, with opening prayers said by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who also doubles as a pastor of the biggest RCCG church in Lekki Phase 1. Prayers were also said by a muslim cleric. Addressing the gathering, the chairman, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, restated the commitment of the group to a total cancellation of the toll fee, saying that the Lekki-Epe expressway, was the only project ever embarked upon by the Lagos State Government in the area. He acknowledged the effort of the governor in his intervention to suspend the collection of the toll, but stressed the need for a total cancellation. He said the group accepted the invitation of the governor for dialogue on the issue but warned that such will never lead to any concession on toll, since available information already showed that about N6.3B of Lagos State money has already been contributed into the project.

Also addressing the gathering, Mr. Ayobami Biobaku, representing the business interest in the Lekki-Epe axis, stated that the idea of the toll project has affected businesses adversely as businessmen are now facing serious challenges to break even, mainly because of the negative impact the project has had on businesses in the area.

Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa on his own part, stated that it would amount to double taxation to have three different toll plazas on a single road of about 23 klms only. He said the land constituting the road was acquired originally by the Lagos State Government under the regime of Alhaji Kayode Jakande from the indigenes for public use and if it is now to be turned over to LCC for commercial use, the land must first be de-acquired and returned to the original owners who would then decide whether or not to partner with LCC. He stated further that it was wrong for the government and LCC to attempt to impose the toll fee on the people and that the purported suspension by the governor was only a political carrot because of the coming 2011 elections. He said everyone must be alert to ensure that at no other time should the idea of the toll fee be accepted now and for ever. Mr. Adegboruwa wondered why the Lagos State Government has singled out the people of the Lekki-Epe axis for punishment and extortion when similar and better roads built by the same government in other areas in the state were not being tolled. He said it amounts to discrimination for the residents and indigenes to be the only ones to be forced to pay for public infrastructure when other Lagosians are enjoying similar facilities free of charge.

At exactly 9.00 am, the gathering spilled on to the Lekki-Epe expressway proper, bringing vehicular movement to a total standstill, with the police and LASTMA officers assisting to control the traffic. The protesters were led by Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, holding large banners with the inscription “NO TO TOLL FEE”, “NO TO LCC TOLL FRAUD”. “LEKKI ROAD IS OUR PROPERTY”, “WE DEMAND TOLL CANCELLATION, NOT SUSPENSION”, etc. The group then formed a long line across the expressway, with Dr. Ajagu and Mr. Biobaku leading the procession. They marched around the Lekki Phase 1 roundabout, stopping traffic at each point. This went on for about 30 minutes when the group again re-assembled inside the Lekki-Phase 1 roundabout. Motorists and passers-by were openly hailing the protesters, with many men and women joining in the rally. Residents of Lekki Phase 1 all came out in their large numbers to support the group. The rally ended peacefully at about 10am.



http://www.saharareporters.com/news-page/lagos-residents-protest-against-lekki-toll-fee

johnie:

Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa on his own part, stated that it would amount to double taxation to have three different toll plazas on a single road of about 23 klms only. He said the land constituting the road was acquired originally by the Lagos State Government under the regime of Alhaji Kayode Jakande from the indigenes for public use and if it is now to be turned over to LCC for commercial use, the land must first be de-acquired and returned to the original owners who would then decide whether or not to partner with LCC.

That is the same clause LASG used against FGN concerning the sale of Federal govt properties in Lagos, she went further to stalled the development of some and collected huge some of money from buyers of those she allowed.  

‘No to fencing, no to toll gate’
By Nathaniel Akhigbe

January 4, 2011 12:30AM


Residents of more than 74 estates and 18 villages under the umbrella of Lekki-Etiosa-Epe Estates Indigenes and Stakeholders Association (LEEEISA), yesterday in Lagos, vowed to do anything possible to stop the Lagos State government and Lekki Concession Company (LCC) from going ahead to collect toll at the controversial toll plazas on Lekki-Epe Road.

The group, at a rally held yesterday in Lekki first roundabout, called for an outright cancellation of the toll plazas, saying that the indefinite suspension of the tolling announced last week by the state governor, Raji Fashola, was for political reasons and would re-introduce the tolling after the election.

As early as 6.30a.m, the leaders of the residents associations,Ausbeth Ajagu,Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Ayobami Biobaku, and members of the Heritage Group and leader of the Ajah IlajeAssociation, A. Ikuesan, had all converged on the Lekki Phase 1 roundabout for the rally. They were all wearing T-shirts with the inscription; ‘No to fencing, no to toll gate’.

The police, led by the DPO of Maroko Police Station, Mr. Ukoh, were on hand to offer protection to the group and to stop hoodlums from hijacking the event.

Shady project

The group said that Lagos State government has not been able to give reasons why it would toll the only major road constructed for a local government that generates one of the highest income for the government; and yet, there are no government hospitals and only two secondary schools.

“Putting a toll on this road is restricting our movement,” said Lawal Alalekan, the group’s spokesperson.

“Come to think of it, Lagos State government is deeply involved in the financing of this project. Which money are they using? It is the tax payer’s money! Lagos State government gave a 42 million US dollar loan or grant for the take-off of this project. That is over 6 billion naira. Where are the monies got into? Lagos State government guaranteed the loan that was used in financing the project: over 240 million dollars. They have not done the road to ten kilometres, they want to start tolling. Our question is why preferential treatment to LCC? Why has the government committed so much of the tax payers money; and they are still asking us to pay?”said Mr. Alalekan.

‘We are ready for dialogue’

The chairman of LEEEISA, Ausbeth Ajagu, however, thanked Mr. Fashola for the indefinite suspension of the tolling, calling on the governor to carry the people and the stakeholders along, for mutual and better understanding.

He said the group would like to dialogue with the state government on the toll issue, as well as on some other issues pertaining to the smooth and conducive living environment in Lekki-Etiosa-Epe axis.

Secretary of the Lekki resident association, and chairman, Nicon Town Residence Association, Tayo Adebowale, said that it was socially irresponsible for a government to place an additional burden of tolling on people.

“Whether there is godfather behind it or not, I care less! All I know is that, I am not going to put any extra burden on my economic life,” Mr. Adebowale said.

The undertones

Solomon Onyibe, a real estate consultant, said the Lagos State government and LCC have not been very transparent in the execution of the contract since inception. He added that it was obvious “there are a lot of undertones in the contract arrangement.”

“Let them come out and make the contract agreement public! Let’s see how the money was raised. Let’s check the books,” Mr. Onyinbe said.

“Our stand here is that you cannot toll an existing road. We can’t pay. What is special about Lekki? The facility they provided in Lekki Peninsular, is it more than what they provided in: Ikoyi, Yaba, Surulere, and Festac? All the roads in these places I have mentioned are tarred. If you are going from here to Festac and Yaba, you will not go on an untarred road until you get to your house! Why not toll there? The only road they seem to be doing here, they want to toll it. This is oppression,” Mr. Oyinbe added.

In his remarks, the president of Ilasan Housing Estate, and the deputy leader of Maroko Evictee, Tajudeen Jegede, stated that what they want is a total cancellation of the purported toll, saying that a larger percentage of the people staying in the axis are poor people.

“If you look at the people staying at Ilasan Housing Estate, for instance, they are people who were evicted from Maroko in 1990. Now, we have not been able to balance presently as am talking to you now. From Obalende to Ajah is 200 naira. If they should add the toll fee, we would be paying up to 500 naira,” he said.

Mr. Jegede, who also is the chairman of the technical committee, Lekki Free Trade Zone, pointed out that even the Lagos State civil servants on that axis would not be spared, as all their earnings would go into transportation should the government go ahead and imposed the toll on the people.

The protest spilled on to the Lekki-Epe expressway, bringing vehicular movement to a total standstill, with the police and LASTMA officers assisting to control the traffic.


http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/5660342-146/story.csp#

seems like brf is scr.ewed. i hope they dont send his a.ss packing from alausa come next year.

Mr. Commissioner, thank you for keeping your word.
Better late than never!

Dismantling the wrecks on the seashore
By Ben Ezeamalu


December 28, 2010 05:05PM


The loud bang of metal on metal was the only sound punctuating the hiss of the ocean waves as half clad workers struggled to dismantle Mt Ray at Lekki beach, last Monday. The presence of Mt Ray, one of the ships swept onto the beach’s shore during a raging storm earlier this year, had forced the strong tidal flow of the ocean to eat deep into the receding seashore leaving destroyed vegetation in its wake.

As the Lagos State government begins to evacuate the carcass of the ships washed ashore on Lekki and Oniru beaches to forestall further damage to the sea shores, the workers at the site say they are optimistic they would complete the task in good time.

“As you can see, work is going on,” said the one of the workers at the beach who declined to give his name.

“We are working 24/7 to ensure we remove it before, at most, the next rain. We would have gone farther than this but the waves are a disturbing factor. Sometimes when they are high, we have to wait for it to come down before we continue work,” he said.

Long walk to evacuation

Since February when more than 10 ships drifted from the Lagos anchorage into the light house beach, a stretch of about five nautical miles to the West of Lagos Harbour mole at Tarkwa Bay, repeated appeals had been made to relevant authorities by residents as well as environmentalists to evacuate the vessels so as to salvage the rapidly eroding shoreline. A number of reports by NEXT also pointed at the urgent need to evacuate the submerged ships to prevent further erosion of the shoreline and overflowing of the ocean.

At the end of the second Lagos Climate Change Summit in May, participants promised to write a formal petition to the federal government stating that all the shipwrecks along the state’s coastline be removed.

The petition was part of a 34-point recommendation adopted at the week long summit which also advised the state to work closely with the federal government to tackle the maintenance of shipwrecks along the coast.

It also stated that both the state and the federal government should carry out a comprehensive assessment of shipwrecks and abandoned ships along the coast, how to remove them and how to prevent such occurrences in the future.

In July, concerned citizens staged a protest to demand a response from the government on the devastating effect of the erosion caused by the shipwreck along the coastline at Lekki beach.

However, after a long wait for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority, two federal government agencies saddled with the task of evacuating the vessels, yielded no visible results, the Lagos State government decided to wade in.

Lagos takes up the challenge
“There is no arrangement (between us and the federal government), I can tell you categorically that it is the state government that is executing that project,” said Adesegun Oniru, the state commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, whose ministry is overseeing the evacuation.

“When a vessel beaches like that, the first point of call is NIMASA; they are the ones that should find a way of removing it. But the state government will not just lie back and see the environment damaged,” said Mr Oniru.

Few months after some of the ships were swept to the Lekki and Oniru shores, the adverse effects of their presence became quite visible - more than 50 metres of sand gradually disappeared from different areas of the coasts due to the resultant erosion which also cut through the coconut trees serving as protection to the coastlines.

“The damage to the environment within the first few weeks of the shipwrecks was noticeable,” said Mr Oniru.

“We couldn’t leave them there. They have to be removed by the state government.” Prior to the intervention of the state government, environmentalists had continually highlighted the negative effects of the growing incidence of ship wrecks on Nigeria’s coastal waters, but, apparently, they got minimal attention.

According to Kunle Olawoyin of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation dedicated to nature conservation, relevant authorities have to work together and take a thorough look at the varied environmental challenges in a more integrated manner.

“It is regrettable that practical steps are yet to be taken to address the ecological challenges being faced by people living on the Nigerian coastline, in spite of our regular advocacy on climate change and its attendant effects on human populations and ecosystems,” said Mr Olawoyin.

“We have also highlighted the need for immediate action on the growing incidence of shipwrecks in our coastal waters,” he said.

The United Nations estimates that there are more than three million undiscovered shipwrecks in the worlds ‘ocean floors.

However, frequent disputes between Lagos State and the Federal Government over who has control of the Lagos waterways may have also contributed to the delay in evacuating the discovered shipwrecks, some observers noted, in addition to the enormous resources required for the evacuation.

NIMASA claimed it had already spent about N252 million to remove four of the vessels washed on Lagos shores; an average of about N63 million per vessel.

Efforts to reach the NIMASA boss were not successful; an official of the agency said that they were having a formal hand over to their newly appointed directors and could not comment on the matter.

“As far as we are concerned in Lagos State, we don’t have any problem (with the federal government). There is a law that put this ministry together and the law is very clear,” said Mr Oniru.

“There are so many vessels that are sinking in our lagoons that they (federal government) are not doing anything about,” he said. “What we are here to do is very clear and we’d do our work to the best of our ability. The law is there to back us up on all that we do in the state.”

Averting danger

While commending the efforts of the state government, Mr Olawoyin stated that the impending disaster posed by the ocean surge due to the abandoned shipwrecks may have been averted.

“Since the abandonment of the shipwreck a couple of months ago, the rate of beach side erosion has increased due to rapid collection of sand deposits by the sinking shipwrecks, resulting in changes in hydrology and water movement and subsequently threatening the sand-laden beach side,” Mr Olawoyin said.

“With the commencement of the removal of the shipwreck by the Lagos State government, we believe that the threat posed by ocean surge caused by abandoned shipwreck and which may result into an impending disaster will be averted.” The 3,000 metric ton Mt Ray, suspected to be leaking Automotive Gas Oil (or diesel) into the ocean, was washed ashore due to the unavailability of the standard two anchors required in every ship, according to the crew members of the ship, who spoke to NEXT in February this year, when the ship was washed ashore. We are cutting the metals to make sure the vessel is lighter before we pull it out,” said one of the workers at Lekki beach.

“It is hard work because the vessel is almost two storey deep into the water. If it had been removed immediately, it wouldn’t have been this difficult.” The workers said that though they have a timeline of completing the task before the onset of the next rains, they were at the mercy of the tidal waves from the ocean.

“We’ve been working on it for weeks and we’ve been able to remove the top part of the vessel,” said a welder who was cutting the metals into smaller bits.

“We are waiting for the wave to go down before we start work. We always have to pump out all the water from the vessel before we start again,” he said.

On how to forestall future occurrences, Mr Oniru said that it behoves the relevant federal government agencies to take their responsibilities seriously.

“A lot of the disasters that are happening, a lot of failed anchor and abandoned vessels, they end up on our shoreline in Lagos State,” he said.

“So if NIMASA and NPA and all those federal agencies that are in charge of these vessels and that collect the dues when these vessels come to our shoreline do what they should do, we shouldn’t have this problem.

“And even if we do as a matter of accident, there should be a time limit that you give these vessel owners to move the vessels. Because the longer you leave it there, the worse it is going to get and the harder it would be to remove it,” said Mr Oniru.


http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/ArtsandCulture/x2/XFactor/Features/5656291-147/story.csp

Why is it that the DGs of NIMASA don't last in that position? Why is it that the agency is not living up to its responsibilities?

N4 Billion Fraud: Ex NIMASA boss, Omatseye, spends 8 days in EFCC jail, to be arraigned this week, As Waziri, Jonathan resist pressures for his release

Ex Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Temisan Omatseye, is spending his eight day in the Abuja detention center of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), as he awaits his day in court this week, over alleged misappropriation of N4 Billion, and award of rogue contracts.

Omatseye is alleged to have doled out dodgy contracts to several cronies, and party men. They include coastal surveillance, maritime security and maritime pollution.

Pointblanknews.com sources in Abuja hinted Monday that President Goodluck Jonathan, and the EFCC boss, Farida Waziri have resisted pressures from very influential people, especially some top party men who benefited from Omatseye's fraudulent contract jamboree, who want the rogue NIMASA boss freed.

Omatseye was arrested last Wednesday by operatives of the EFCC. This is his second trip the EFCC in barely a month. He was first picked up last month alongside his Director of Finance, Bulama Ago, and that of Procurement, Shehu Kabir. After few days with EFCC interrogators in Ikoyi and Abuja they were released.

But the Chairman of the NIMSA Board led by Senator Baba Tella insisted that Omatseye should be removed and prosecuted.

Pointblanknews.com sources said after he was indicted by the Board, Omatseye used his contacts in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to temporarily block his removal and eventual arrest.


According to top sources in Abuja, when Jonathan got wind of the maneuvers, he directed the SGF to fire him, and ensure every allegation of wrongdoing, fraud etc are investigated by the appropriate agency.

Said our source “there are pressures from very top quarters concerning NIMASA boss. The Chairman and the President have been inundated with strings of pressures to go soft on him, but they have refused to budge “

“ Omatseye has contacts everywhere, he awarded strings of contracts. The board of NIMASA could not check him, even when they removed him he ran to Abuja to press some buttons.”

http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/nvnews/43580/1/n4-billion-fraud-ex-nimasa-boss-omatseye-spends-8-.html

Suspended NIMASA DG honoured by maritime stakeholders .
Sunday, 19 December 2010 04:00 Shehu Abubakar .

The suspended Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Temisan Omatseye, has been honoured by stakeholders in the maritime industry for what they called his contributions towards the development of maritime activities in the country. The group, operating under the Marine Trade Awards Initiative, said the recent arrest and subsequent investigation of Omatseye by the EFCC over alleged financial misappropriation were caused by government’s decision to appoint non-professionals into the board of NIMASA thereby encouraging abuse of due process.

Speaking on behalf of the awarding board, chairman of the Marine Trade Awards Initiative, Chief Mazi Tony Ohakwe said, “Permit me at this point to comment on recent happenings within the nation’s maritime sector. For many years, the government of Nigeria has formulated policies and programs aimed at enhancing indigenous participation in the economic and development activities in various areas of the national economy. These policies which are based on sound economic models have been used successfully by peers in other jurisdictions to boost local infrastructure, launch technological and industrial advancement, create sustainable employment, grow international reputation and realize national development objectives.

“Happenings in the apex maritime regulatory agency of Nigeria (NIMASA) deserve some comments. Just as we do not support corruption, we are bothered that politicians and their cohorts appointed into boards of parastatals have found a common ground to always distort the smooth running of agencies of government. The high rate of turning out of Directors-General of NIMASA is indeed worrisome. This is mainly caused by government‘s decision to appoint non-professionals into these boards; the present NIMASA case is a serious one. NIMASA deserve a stable management team and knowledgeable board not contract seeking politicians,” he said.

The DG and the board of NIMASA were indicted in an audit report over alleged circumventing due process while awarding some contracts worth billions of Naira beyond the approving powers of both the DG and the board. The audit report on which the EFCC relied on to arrest and investigate Mr Omatseye says the DG and the board awarded contracts to the tune of over N5.3 billion between January and June when they have no right to do so.

Some top Custom officials that include the Comptroller General, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde, a shipping agency, LANSAL, a port service provider, COTECNA and some Comptrollers of the Nigeria Custom Service were among those that were awarded for their various contributions to maritime business in Nigeria.

http://www.sunday.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5610:suspended-nimasa-dg-honoured-by-maritime-stakeholders&catid=41:latest-news&Itemid=26

Minister Charges NIMASA, NPA On Wreck Removal
11 August 2010


Lagos — Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman, has directed both the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to come together and harmonise their methods on the removal of ship wreckage exercise with the Lagos State Waterfront Agency.

He maintained that with the level of removal approaches of both NPA and NIMASA, it might take more than five or six years before the nation could salvage the whole wrecks and this portends danger to the shoreline and citizens of the nation.

The Minister, who spoke at a meeting between himself and Lagos State officials led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Olasupo Sasore, also constituted a new committee to effect quick removal of vessel wreckages on the nation's coastal waters.

The committee comprises officials of NPA, NIMASA, Federal Ministry of Justice and Lagos State Government and was given a month to come up with the way forward.

Expressing worry over the danger posed by wrecks to the environment, he commended the concern of Lagos State Government, saying: "This is a very serious issue that affects our shoreline and needs to be addressed. It will take another five or six years to remove the wrecks with the approaches of the NIMASA and NPA. They must give clearer picture on their removal methods and harmonise them in such a way that will be acceptable to Lagos State. They must work hand in hand with the state."

Impressed by the promptness of the minister, Sasore said Lagos State had conducted its study on the wreckages and would appreciate working and sharing ideas with NPA and NIMASA on the problem. The commissioner said it is important to go after the perpetrators and hold them accountable for the ecological implication of their abandoned vessels, noting that the state and the ministry of justice, because of legal implication, must be involved in the committee.

Sasore said legal procedure would be taken against the owners of the wrecks to make them account for their deed and also a legal procedure would be initiated to back NIMASA and NPA on the wreck removal.

General manager, Marine, Captain Iheanacho Ebubogu who presented the efforts made so far by the NPA, said vessel wreckage has become a big challenge to the organization considering its implication to environment and easy vessel pilotage and dredging activity. He noted that there are 100 identified wreckages alone in Lagos port channels and others in other ports, maintaining that NPA had removed 21 while NIMASA removed only four.

"If we don't remove these wrecks, it may affect our aspiration of becoming a maritime hub for West Africa and portend Nigeria as irresponsible before the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Apart from this, these wrecks can be a hideout for hoodlums and cause environmental degradation to the nation", Ebubogu said, adding that it was unfortunate that all the wrecked vessels are owned by members of the Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN) who have failed to develop scrap policy on their old vessels and never bother about having Protection & Indemnity insurance

http://allafrica.com/stories/201008120423.html

Toll gate: Court fixes Feb. 22 for definite hearing
By Agency Reporter
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2011



Justice Bolaji Candido-Johnson of the Lagos High Court on Tuesday fixed February 22 for definite hearing of the substantive suit filed by Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa against Lekki Concession Company, the Lagos State Government and three others.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the claimant is asking the court to declare as illegal, the construction and collection of toll on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
At the resumed hearing of the case, counsel to the LCC, Mr Tunde Fagbounlu (SAN), told the court that the matter was slated for hearing and they were prepared to go on.

Counsel to the claimant, Miss B. Ikpabi, however, told the court that the claimant only received the LCC’s written address and not the counter- affidavit as directed by the court at the last adjourned date.

“We have responded to the written address, but since we did not receive the counter affidavit, we cannot go on with the hearing,’’ she said.

Fagbounlu, however, told the court that the claimant had been served since January 19 and expressed his dismay at the mix up.

“The evidence of service is in the court’s file and we are bound by its records. It is also of concern that they waited till the eve of this matter before writing our office about the non-receipt of the counter-affidavit,’’ he said.

Ikpabi objected to the LCC’s position, saying that the first defendant withdrew the counter-affidavit at the last date to file a tidier copy.

Candide-Johnson adjourned the matter till February 22 to allow the first defendant to properly file the counter affidavit.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201102094565367

Any updates with this project. Has construction halted due to the suspension of tolls?

whats been happening here?

Please don't end this thread for it is one of the best threads that we all enjoy. "WHAT IS HAPPENING ON LEKKI AXIS."

Construction still going on, definitely.

AjanleKoko:

Construction still going on, definitely.

Have they completed the second toll?
Where have they reached with regards to the road. Have they gotten to VGC section/ Ajah yet?
Men dis thread is about to die ooh. Johnnie!!! how far na. we miss your pics

The rich also cry
By EMMANUEL ONYECHE
Sunday, 27 Mar 2011


Rapid urbanisation combines with an unending road reconstruction to give residents of communities along the Lekki/Epe expressway nightmares in traffic jams that continue for hours. EMMANUEL ONYECHE writes on the frustrations and anger of some of those involved and how they are coping.

The horror of the notorious Lagos traffic jam, especially in the peak periods when people close from work, had always been a nightmare for Lagosians who work on the island and live on the mainland.

Such people envied their colleagues who reside in Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Ajah and all other communities along the Lekki/Epe expressway. They regarded these colleagues as driving against the traffic and envied them for getting home on time and enjoying the comforts of their homes while they sweated it out in the traffic.

That situation is no longer so. Mr. Yunus Anegbe, a real estate consultant, who gave his reasons for this, says, “The influx of people into Lagos which stretches the population to about 18 million, rapid urbanisation and a boom in real estate in the Lekki Peninsular axis have all combined with an unending reconstruction to widen the dual carriageway on that corridor to usher in unpleasant traffic congestion that is giving people a lot of stress.”


Last Wednesday, our correspondent noted that the traffic jam stretched from Jakande Roundabout all the way to Ajah. Mr. Anthony Erhabor who was caught in it told our correspondent at about 7.23pm (shortly after Jakande Roundabout) that he had left Oshodi, where he works, since 5:00pm.



“As it is now, it would be by the grace of God for me to get to Ajah before 9:00pm. This is what I go through every working day and I am tired of it. Yesterday, I was told that the situation was better. That was why I decided to head for home immediately I closed from work. Otherwise, I would have stayed back as usual in the office to beat the traffic,” he says.



Mrs. Celestina Odunka who works in a bank at Ojuelegba in Surulere, says thinking of how to cope with the traffic situation on the Lekki/Epe expressway daily ranks high on her list of priorities each day just as the thought of taking care of the school needs of her children and cooking for her family.



“What I do is that I either stay back in the office after closing or I do some shopping in the night markets around Ojuelegba till about 7.30pm so that by the time I approach Lekki, the traffic would have eased off,” she says.



But Mr. Solomon Oriade who works in Marina says he does not like getting home late after closing from work. “What I do is that I reserve some money for rides on motorbike (Okada). From Mobil petrol station in Sandfill, I take Okada straight home to Ajah. I pay as much as N500 for such rides but I do not mind because it saves me from the frustration of sweating for hours in the traffic congestion in the midst of dangerous fumes from all sorts of vehicles,” he says.



In 2006, the Lagos State government, through the Public Private Partnership, engaged Lekki Concession Company as the concessionaire for the upgrading and expansion of the 49.5 kilometre Lekki/Epe road. It was a Build-Operate-Transfer deal that stipulates that LCC will operate and maintain the road for 30 years and then transfer it to the state government.



Some high-profile organisations situated in the axis include Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Pan-African University. The proposed Lekki Free Trade Zone is also sited in the vicinity. There are also plans to build a refinery in Lekki. Massive vehicular movement is expected to be generated by these new economic activities hence the reconstruction of the road.



But work there has dragged for so long thereby increasing the frustrations of commuters, motorists and residents along that axis.



At the bridge shortly after Jakande Roundabout, it was also noted that the three lane road dovetailed into two lanes causing further congestion as all the vehicles tried to squeeze past each other in the two lanes to the other side of that bridge. Several footbridges on that road are also behind schedule in completion and some residents say this has led to an increase of accidents on that road.



An official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority who did not want his name mentioned said that though there are many LASTMA officials on that axis, they are all finding it difficult to cope. “At any point, there are about 200 vehicles to one LASTMA official and behind the wheel of some of those vehicles are the frustrated individuals who take out their frustrations on us and make one want to go crazy on this job. I hope they will just finish all these construction on time to lessen the problem for everyone.”



Responding to questions sent through email, the Managing Director of LCC, Mr. Opuiyo Oforiokuma, said, “While we are aware that there is still traffic congestion along Eti-Osa Lekki-Epe Expressway, we are regularly receiving reports from road users that they are already noticing an improvement in traffic flow along the axis, especially as the construction works progress to further sections of the road. This improvement will be continuous over time. We are aware that key bottlenecks still exist along the axis especially at VGC and Ajah junctions, and have plans already in place to deal with those as soon as conditions permit. In this regard, it is worth noting that the progress of the works is also affected by factors that are not directly within LCC’s control, and that other parties have a role to play to ensure that the works are executed on time and in the manner specified.



“Construction works typically have an impact on traffic flow while the works are ongoing. Accordingly, LCC offers our apologies to road users for any inconvenience that they suffer as a direct consequence of the works.



“It is important to emphasize, nevertheless, that some of the traffic congestion on the roads is caused by bad driving habits, such as indiscriminate parking on the road, making of illegal U-turns, driving against traffic, and general impatience of some road users. The construction works cannot be blamed for such bad habits; hence, we always implore all road users to exercise care, patience, and attention as they use the road, and to think about the impact of their behaviour on others.”



He said the rehabilitation of the bridge shortly after Jakande junction would take place in due course adding that it already has the capacity to carry six lanes of traffic, and would do so comfortably. He said there was no need for an expansion at this time.



On why the construction of footbridges was dragging, he said LCC contractor was constructing the pedestrian footbridges in areas of high traffic volume, and where pedestrian density was high. “Given that the road is in constant use, the contractor has to take great care and attention to minimize the risk to road users and pedestrians while he undertakes the works. The contractor also needs to ensure that he takes the relevant amount of time needed to ensure a quality result at the end. We believe that the completed pedestrian footbridge at the Oniru intersection in Victoria Island is a good example of the quality of finish that we aim to deliver,” he says.



He said LCC would commence pouring the concrete at the new Falomo On-Ramp, which is designed to ease traffic bottlenecks at the Falomo end of Victoria Island .



He says, “There are various pedestrian bridges and more of the road under construction. Where the road section has already been substantially completed, for example, from Falomo Bridge Loop to Marwa Bus Stop, we have commenced routine maintenance of the road infrastructure. This will continue.

“We have also been providing complementary 24/7 Incident Management Services since October 2009, which include route patrols, breakdown and tow assistance, ambulance services, and a free customer service helpline, for convenience of road users. In this way, LCC has assisted in excess of 4,000 distressed road users since inception, about 850 incidents of which involved accidents, and about 620 of which involved our providing free breakdown and tow assistance. These types of services, which we provide on a complementary basis, save road users a lot of money and improve their convenience and experience whenever they use the road. Our intention is to continue in this manner, and of course, to strive to continuously improve the level of service that we offer to road users.”

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201103272374231

Lagos, concessionaire kick-start Falomo ramp bridge project .

Wednesday, 30 March 2011 00:00 By Tosin Fodeke

OBLIGED to ease traffic congestion on the Victoria Island axis, Lagos State Government has formally kick-started the construction of a 115 metre on-ramp bridge, which would link Ozumba Mbadiwe road westbound to Falomo Bridge on Victoria Island.

The project is being handled by Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

Specifically, the ramp bridge upon completion would ease traffic at the Adeyemo Alakija intersection. It is packaged under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the Lagos State Government and LCC.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who spoke at the official sod turning of the project, said that the bridge, which has backing of the Federal Government, attests to his administration’s promise of improving traffic management within various parts of the state.

The governor, who said the project is part of the ways to better the lot of Lagos residents, explained that the new ramp is also part of the deliverables of the Lekki- Eti-Osa- Epe road, which would help to decongest traffic, especially at the intersection between Ozumba Mbadiwe and Adeyemo Alakija Street on Victoria Island.

“The construction of this bridge, which is 12 metres wide and 115 metres long is another added advantage to the repaired road network to Lekki. Lagosians will not have to wait for ever to have the best and this is another sign to show the government’s commitment to help find solutions to the people’s problems,” Fashola stated.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, LCC, Opuiyo Oforiokuma, while fielding questions from the media, explained that the structure rests on a low abutment at the eastern end and links with Falomo Bridge on a joint, resulting in zero forces imposed on the existing bridge.

He said; “The Bridge is a landmark development in the quest for delivering better and world class infrastructure in Lagos. The up-date structure design makes use of a modern technology to reduce cost, improve traffic flow and ensure road safety for all road users.”

He added that the bridge would be furnished with streetlights, traffic lights, pedestrian walks, and road safety signs.

In order to curb anticipated complication in traffic management at the intersecting point between the two roads, the LCC boss explained that the team had already contacted relevant authorities about the envisaged problem.

According to Chief Technical Officer, Hitech, Mr. Ivan Bekker, “The designed bridge structure comprising of a inclined surface connecting two levels, is a post-tensioned continuous deck of approximately 115 metres in length, and sited on five piers, each resting on four piles.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43139:lagos-concessionaire-kick-start-falomo-ramp-bridge-project&catid=25:property&Itemid=655

^^
Projects like this tell you that Fashola has potential and ideas, and maybe can do much better under different conditions.
As an Eti-Osa resident, I'll give him my vote, and then proceed to battle him on the toll issue. He's a good administrator, no doubt.

^^^^^^

Yeah. $60billion to construct 61km of road which is just to add one lane extra on either side and i still have to pay toll on the same road. He really does av ideas. Ideas on how to further enrich himself and his generations esp Tinubu. smh.

blank:

^^^^^^

Yeah. $60billion to construct 61km of road which is just to add one lane extra on either side and i still have to pay toll on the same road. He really does av ideas. Ideas on how to further enrich himself and his generations esp Tinubu. smh.

WTF? $60billion! Bullcrap! Where did you get this information?

bullcrap for real? Did u listen to the governorship debate? Open ur mouth and say thrash.

blank:

bullcrap for real? Did u listen to the governorship debate? Open your mouth and say thrash.

You are claiming the Lekki-Epe toll road cost $60 billion (larger than Nigeria's budget) and you think I'm the one talking trash? From what I've read the cost being quoted is ~ $400 million or N55 billion.

So I ask again, where did you get your construction estimate from?

Mariory:

You are claiming the Lekki-Epe toll road cost $60 billion (larger than Nigeria's budget) and you think I'm the one talking trash? From what I've read the cost being quoted is ~ $400 million or N55 billion.

So I ask again, where did you get your construction estimate from?

i'm sure it was just a typo. its 60 billion naira and not USD

$400 mil for two lanes of 61 km is not an exorbitant price.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You joking right?

^-- How much should it cost?

I saw this:
http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/whatwedo/policy/07-29-2008%20Generic%20Response%20to%20Cost%20per%20Lane%20Mile%20for%20widening%20and%20new%20construction.pdf

and this:
http://www.thomasjeffersoninst.org/pdf/articles/Rail_at_any_cost.pdf (page 15)

Roughly $10 million per mile, $5 mil per lane-mile in a very densely populated place like Lagos doesn't seem unreasonable.

Mariory:

You are claiming the Lekki-Epe toll road cost $60 billion (larger than Nigeria's budget) and you think I'm the one talking trash? From what I've read the cost being quoted is ~ $400 million or N55 billion.

So I ask again, where did you get your construction estimate from?

How in the world will the mere road cost about 1/4th as much as LFTZ itself ?? That number is either a mistake or somebody is definitely milking some there . . . na gold dem take build the road?

@ ekt_bear

When you compare costs, i believe you should compare using a common basis. It probably won't cost up to half of that to "build the actual road" in Lagos. Compare it to other projects. All they are doing is adding one lane on either side of the road. To be honest, i think the reason the road is that expensive is because of : corruption, inexperience (hitech don't seem to know nada), and excessive emphasis on the "toll gate itself"
When i was around, i know how much unnecessary time they spent on that first toll gate. Decorating and doing all sorts of rubbish. To think they even ran out of funds and wanted to start tolling in order to gain funds to complete the road.
Mind you, that figure was initial estimates. Im sure by the time the road is completed they would have "spent" over 150 billion. They are just a bunch of thieves.
It saddens me when i see the LCC boss talk. Yes development is good, but you don't have to rush into things. He keeps blabbing about the benefits of eztag and so on. Nigerians have been suffering on that road for over 8yrs now. All they want is some relief. How about you build the road, show people that traffic is now good and see if anyone will complain about the toll. Imagine asking people to pay toll on a road that will still have traffic the whole purpose of the project ooo)

There is no way on earth, that traffic problem will end with the current plan. They should have built flyovers. Period.