A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday fixed Feb. 7 for hearing in a suit against the Lagos State Government, over collection of tolls on the newly constructed Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge.
A Human Rights Activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, had filed the suit, challenging the collection of tolls on the bridge, arguing that the bridge was erected on a federal navigable waterway.
The suit which was slated for parties to file written addresses, was adjourned, as the trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu, was said to on be on official assignment.
Adegboruwa had filed the suit on Nov. 26, 2012, seeking an order of injunction, restraining the Lagos Government from collecting any toll or tax in any form whatsoever, from motorists on the bridge.
Joined as first and second respondents are the attorney general of the federation and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Adeola Ipaye, and the Lagos State Government, are third and fourth respondents, respectively.
The applicant wants the court to determine whether the Lagos Government has the power and authority to erect a bridge on the Lagos Lagoon and the Lekki Lagoon, which are both categorised by law as federal navigable waterways.
He also seeks a determination of court as to whether there exists any law in Nigeria, authorising the collection of such tolls, tax or fee, from citizens.
Adegboruwa, therefore, wants the court to declare that the imposition of such a tariff on road users, is an illegal form of taxation and is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
