Ogun tears down makeshift structures in Sango to reduce road crashes

The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action to dismantle shanties and makeshift structures erected on road setbacks around the bustling Sango Tollgate axis, as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the recurrence of road accidents and enhance public safety along the border corridor between Ogun and Lagos states.

This enforcement exercise, which resulted in the removal of illegal roadside stalls and temporary structures on both sides of the tollgate and under-bridge areas, was undertaken after multiple warning and abatement notices were issued to traders to vacate the location, giving them ample opportunity to comply.

A statement released by the Ogun State Ministry of Environment on Tuesday highlighted that this action is an integral component of broader efforts to restore order along major highways, reduce traffic hazards, and prevent avoidable fatalities linked to street trading activities in high-risk areas.

Dr Kafayat Lawal, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, led the exercise and emphasized that the demolition was carried out in accordance with due process, following the provision of an alternative trading location for affected traders.

Lawal stated that the demolition followed several warning and abatement notices served on street traders to vacate the area, as an alternative location had been provided for them on Plaza Road, Sango, alongside street traders at Under Bridge, ensuring a smooth transition for those affected.

The presence of roadside traders around the tollgate and under the bridge had repeatedly exposed both traders and commuters to danger, particularly during traffic incidents, prompting concerns about the safety risks associated with these activities.

Lawal explained that the exercise aimed to free the Tollgate and Under Bridge areas from street trading, which frequently leads to loss of life when mishaps occur, a situation that has become a source of worry for the state government and well-meaning Nigerians.

The permanent secretary stressed that the government would not tolerate activities capable of endangering lives or obstructing traffic flow in critical transport corridors, emphasizing the need for a safe and orderly environment.

The state government, according to the statement, will not stand idly by and allow street trading in the Tollgate area, which has led to avoidable loss of life and permanent disabilities due to its inherent danger, prompting a firm response to address the issue.

Lawal urged affected traders to comply with the relocation directive and take advantage of the alternative market provided through collaboration between the state government, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, and the Olota-in-Council, offering a viable solution for those displaced.

She also warned that enforcement would continue to ensure sustained compliance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the new regulations to maintain public safety and order.

Lawal called on the traders to move to the new market provided for them by the state government in conjunction with the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government and the Olota-in-Council, cautioning that anyone caught returning to the Tollgate and Under bridge areas would face the full force of the law.

The Sango Tollgate corridor serves as a major transit route linking Ogun and Lagos states, known for heavy vehicular traffic due to its strategic importance as a commercial and residential hub, making it a critical area of focus for enforcement efforts.

Over the years, authorities have raised concerns over roadside trading activities along the axis, citing safety risks, traffic obstruction, and frequent accidents, highlighting the need for decisive action to address these issues.

State governments across Nigeria have increasingly intensified enforcement of environmental and urban planning regulations to discourage illegal structures and street trading along highways, particularly in areas with high accident records, as part of a broader effort to promote safe and orderly development.

The Ogun State Government has consistently maintained that removing illegal roadside stalls is necessary to protect lives, ensure free traffic flow, and promote orderly urban development, underscoring its commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for its citizens.