The ongoing EndSars protest against police brutality which has entered the ninth day has adversely affected the Lagos economy.
Preliminary findings have revealed that the Lagos State Government has lost at least N234 million (Ghs 3.5 million) to the closure of tollgates since the commencement of the #EndSARS protests, although the state has continued to generate money from adverts at the toll plazas.
On how the figures were arrived at, punchnigeria reported that the figure was obtained from the daily and monthly targets set for the tollgates by the Federal Government.
A Lagos State Commissioner who chose to remain anonymous was quoted by punchnigeria saying: At least 80,000 cars use the tollgates every day. The figure could be higher or lower depending on the day of the week. However, since the protests started, the Lekki tollgate has been completely shut, while the Ikoyi one has been left permanently open for people to use without payment.
Findings further revealed that the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge was expected to generate about N10 million (Ghs 153,000) daily, generating nothing less than N300 million (Ghs 4.6 milion) monthly.
The Admiralty Circle Plaza along the Lekki-Epe Expressway was also expected to generate nothing less than N16.6 million (Ghs 253,000) a day which gross about N500 million (Ghs 7.6 million) monthly.
The breakdown of the fares includes;
- Sport Utility Vehicles pay N250 (Ghs 3.80) at the Admiralty Toll Plaza
- Saloon cars pay N200 (Ghs 3.05) at the Admiralty Toll Plaza
- At the Ikoyi-Link Bridge, toll for SUVs, minivans and light trucks is N400 (Ghs 6.10).
- Heavy-duty trucks/buses with two or more heavy axles pay N1,000 (Ghs 15.25) at the Admiralty Circle Plaza on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.