Ogun State to Take Action Against Drivers for Illegal Parking on Highways

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has cautioned drivers of articulated vehicles against the practice of parking their trucks on roadsides, especially in the vicinity of Ogere on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

During an engagement with stakeholders at the Ogere TRACE Divisional Command, the Acting Corps Commander of TRACE, Elias Omonayajo, voiced his concerns regarding how the actions of some truck drivers obstruct major roads, attributing this behavior to increased accidents.

Omonayajo warned drivers, stating, "Do not jeopardize the safety of other road users with illegal parking, as it adversely affects the smooth flow of traffic. Safeguarding people’s lives and property should be your top priority."

Both the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, AIG Shola Subair (retired), and the Governor's Security Consultant, CP Edward Ajogun (retired), expressed the state government's displeasure over rampant roadside parking and highway obstructions.

They advocated for the formation of a taskforce to implement traffic regulations and catch violators, urging drivers to collaborate with TRACE in preserving unobstructed traffic and avoiding collisions on the roads.

In addition, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, the Seriki Awusawa of Ogere, expressed gratitude towards the government for this initiative and pledged to ensure that drivers abide by traffic regulations and utilize designated parking areas established by the state.

He also appealed to the state to undertake repair work within the garages to incentivize articulated vehicle drivers to utilize the provided facilities.

Earlier, Oba Babatunde, the Onimeji of Imeji Kingdom, represented by Iyaloja Tiwa New Town from Ogere, Chief Bunkuola Sonubi, along with Adenuga Ridwan from Dangote Sugar, emphasized that tackling the issues of illegal parking and highway blockage requires a collective effort from all involved parties.

The event saw participation from representatives of various agencies including TRACE, FRSC, NSCDC, Amotekun, police, and road union leaders from NUPENG (PTD), NURTW, RTEAN, NARTO, as well as members from Dangote, Nestle, Apple & Pears, alongside community leaders.