ACN seeks understanding on LASU, Lekki toll
Lagos' ruling party implores for patience and understanding
By Soundcity Admin
Dec 14, 2011 - 11:12am WAT
Dec 14, 2011 - 11:12am WAT
The Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria on Tuesday appealed for understanding on increment of tuition fees at the Lagos State University and toll collection on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The party said the actions were borne out of the state government’s desire to ensure Lagosians got the best of every sector.
A statement by the state Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, explained that though it would cause inconvinience, the increment of fees, which was meant only for incoming students, would ensure that the university was upgraded to one of the best institutions around.
It added that the toll on the expressway was to ensure that the high standards used in building the road were maintained.
“We want to assure Lagosians that the Lagos State government meant well and the present case of LASU is not different. It was to ensure that LASU is not only adequately funded but also provided with all the necessary infrastructure to raise it to an enviable standard so as to compete with the best schools in Africa and the world,” Igbokwe said.
He also explained that the Lekki-Epe Expressway was concessioned to a company, adding that the toll was natural since the company must recover what it spent on the road.
He said, “We call on Lagosians to demonstrate understanding on this issue and we want to point out that alternative roads have been provided for those that do not want to pay. We believe this is fair enough to encourage competent companies to invest in our decaying infrastructure.”
The party noted that concessioning was a way of saving funds for other sectors. “If we acknowledge that Lagos requires over $50 billion to build and upgrade its infrastructural needs, we will see the wisdom in getting companies to build, manage and transfer some critical infrastructure in Lagos.”
Igbokwe said Lagos was experiencing massive population pressure everyday, which put great challenge on the resources of the state. He said the government alone could not meet the demand.
He said, “We want Lagosians to understand that the little toll paid on the Lekki-Epe Expressway is only a little price we all must pay to get standard infrastructure and encourage others to come here and deliver better infrastructures in our state.”
culled from www.punchng.com
The party said the actions were borne out of the state government’s desire to ensure Lagosians got the best of every sector.
A statement by the state Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, explained that though it would cause inconvinience, the increment of fees, which was meant only for incoming students, would ensure that the university was upgraded to one of the best institutions around.
It added that the toll on the expressway was to ensure that the high standards used in building the road were maintained.
“We want to assure Lagosians that the Lagos State government meant well and the present case of LASU is not different. It was to ensure that LASU is not only adequately funded but also provided with all the necessary infrastructure to raise it to an enviable standard so as to compete with the best schools in Africa and the world,” Igbokwe said.
He also explained that the Lekki-Epe Expressway was concessioned to a company, adding that the toll was natural since the company must recover what it spent on the road.
He said, “We call on Lagosians to demonstrate understanding on this issue and we want to point out that alternative roads have been provided for those that do not want to pay. We believe this is fair enough to encourage competent companies to invest in our decaying infrastructure.”
The party noted that concessioning was a way of saving funds for other sectors. “If we acknowledge that Lagos requires over $50 billion to build and upgrade its infrastructural needs, we will see the wisdom in getting companies to build, manage and transfer some critical infrastructure in Lagos.”
Igbokwe said Lagos was experiencing massive population pressure everyday, which put great challenge on the resources of the state. He said the government alone could not meet the demand.
He said, “We want Lagosians to understand that the little toll paid on the Lekki-Epe Expressway is only a little price we all must pay to get standard infrastructure and encourage others to come here and deliver better infrastructures in our state.”
culled from www.punchng.com
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