The Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to drivers of articulated vehicles, threatening a major crackdown on the rampant practice of indiscriminate parking along major highways. The focus is particularly on the notorious Ogere axis of the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
TRACE Commander Issues Direct Warning to Drivers
During a crucial stakeholders' meeting held at the Ogere TRACE Divisional Command, the Acting Corps Commander of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Elias Omonayajo, expressed deep concern. He highlighted how the act of parking heavy trucks on the roadside severely obstructs these vital roads, directly contributing to preventable accidents.
Omonayajo cautioned the drivers in clear terms, stating that illegal parking creates significant risks for other road users by disrupting the free flow of traffic. “Do not pose accident risk to other road users due to illegal parking because of its effects on free flow of traffic,” he said. “The safety of people’s lives and properties should be paramount to you.”
Security Advisers Push for Enforcement Task Force
The high-level meeting, which took place on 15 January 2026, also featured strong statements from top security officials. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, AIG Shola Subair (retd), and the Consultant to the Governor on Security, CP Edward Ajogun (retd), were present.
They confirmed that the state government is deeply unhappy with the constant blockage and indiscriminate parking on its highways. To tackle the issue head-on, they advocated for the establishment of a dedicated task force. This body would be empowered to enforce traffic regulations strictly and apprehend drivers who flout the rules.
The officials urged all drivers to cooperate with TRACE to maintain seamless traffic movement and prevent tragic crashes on Ogun roads.
Community and Corporate Leaders Weigh In
The Seriki Awusawa of Ogere, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, thanked the government for the initiative. He promised to ensure that drivers in his domain comply with traffic rules and use the designated parking lots provided by the state.
However, Abubakar also made an appeal to the state government. He requested palliative work inside the existing garages to make them more appealing and functional for articulated vehicle drivers, thereby encouraging proper use.
Other stakeholders echoed the call for collective responsibility. The Onimeji of Imeji Kingdom, Oba Babatunde (represented by Iyaloja Tiwa New Town, Ogere, Chief Bunkuola Sonubi), and Adenuga Ridwan representing Dangote Sugar, agreed that solving the illegal parking menace requires the effort of everyone involved.
The meeting was well-attended by a broad coalition of agencies and groups, including:
- Representatives from TRACE, FRSC, NSCDC, Amotekun, and the Police.
- Road union leaders from NUPENG (PTD), NURTW, RTEAN, and NARTO.
- Members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) from companies like Dangote, Nestle, and Apple & Pears.
- Local community leaders from the Ogere area.
The strong message from Ogun State is clear: the era of illegal parking on its highways is over, and drivers must immediately utilize approved facilities or face the consequences.
