2nd June, 2013
As the clock ticked past midnight on Friday, the new Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, was opened for use to motorists, with many of them applauding the Babatunde Fashola administration for building the bridge, which has truly shortened their travel time.
Some of the motorists who passed through the bridge in separate interviews with newsmen, urged motorists to use the bridge and pay the requisite toll because according to them, good infrastructure like the bridge can only be provided in quicker time through public private partnership investment.
Mr Agore Aboh, one of the early users expressed happiness and excitement that such a feat is being recorded in Nigeria. “If similar things can be happening in our country, we would be happy. That was why I decided to ply the road, pay the toll and encourage others to pay because the most important thing is that ‘let good things be happening”.
Chief Adolo Okotie Eboh described it as an evidence of good governance and hoped that other states would emulate the Lagos State Government as everything looks good because cars are moving, people are moving freely and it shows that the state is ready to go.
Mr Bambo Ibidapo Obe in his testimony, said: “I love the new bridge. I think it is a new development. I have been waiting for them for a very long time to open it. I am glad it is open; I made efforts to make sure I pass it today on the first day it opened and I am very impressed. It is a very beautiful road. I look forward to Lagos State doing a lot more of this for us.
“I have paid N300 (for Jeep). I think it is the wave of the future. If we want good things we have to pay for it. Nigerians have shown that they are willing to pay for good services. In Lagos especially, it is clear that people are willing to pay for good services and the difference would be clear to anybody that passes it, you know you would get what you are paying for”, Mr Ibidapo-Obe added.
Another motorist who plied the Link Bridge after it was opened and spoke to newsmen is businessman, Mr Valentine Aboh who gave kudos to the Lagos State Governor and his team for their clear vision of infrastructural renewal and development in Lagos State.
He added that the project is a welcome development that is also people oriented, adding that its benefit is for the users of the roads not the government.
“We the masses appreciate it and no matter how much they ask us to pay, we will pay the toll. Let the good things be replicated around the whole state so that people will have easy movement to go around unhindered for their businesses. We Nigerians are willing to struggle to make ends meet but let the government give us the enabling environment”.
Mr Dare Ajayi said he appreciated what the State Governor’s efforts in terms of providing infrastructure, because that is essentially what is needed in the country.
“This is good infrastructure. The quality of the road speaks for itself, well built and the aesthetic value as well is very visible. Once again, I congratulate Lagosians and congratulate the governor for such an initiative. I love the Governor. I was going to say I would keep this ticket as a souvenir and keep for future generations to see. If we have ten of Fasholas in this country, things would turn around for the better. I am not a member of any party but I like to recognize good things. For me it is a joyful moment like this”.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Wednesday formally handed over the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, restating that the primary objective in its conception and delivery was to provide a transport infrastructure and strategic traffic management solution aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area.