Ogun Demolishes Sango Tollgate Shanties to Prevent Accidents

Ogun State authorities have demolished all informal structures and temporary buildings occupying the road setbacks along the Sango Tollgate, a critical transit corridor on the border with Lagos State. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, aims to eliminate persistent traffic accidents in the area, which officials attribute to street trading activities that obstruct movement and endanger lives.

The exercise was led by Kafayat Lawal, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Environment. She confirmed that the demolition followed multiple prior warnings and formal notices issued to street vendors and traders operating within the tollgate and under-bridge zones. “The exercise will free the Tollgate and Under bridge street trading which frequently leads to loss of life when there are mishaps around the area which has become a source of worry to the state government and well-meaning Nigerians,” Lawal stated.

To mitigate displacement, the state government, in partnership with the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government and the Olota-in-Council, has established an alternative market for affected traders at Plaza Road, Sango. Lawal disclosed that this facility was provided to facilitate a smooth transition away from the hazardous tollgate environment.

Emphasizing the administration’s resolve, Lawal warned that any individual caught vending within the cleared setbacks will face the full extent of the law. “The state government will therefore not fold its hands and allow street trading in the Tollgate area which has led to avoidable loss of life and permanent disabilities due to its danger,” she added.

The Sango Tollgate area, intersecting the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, is a notorious congestion point where pedestrian traffic from informal trading frequently intersects with high-speed vehicular movement. Previous incidents have seen fatalities and severe injuries resulting from collisions involving traders and commuters. By clearing the mandated setbacks, the government intends to improve visibility, reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, and enhance overall traffic flow.

This enforcement underscores a broader state initiative to enforce urban planning regulations and prioritize public safety in high-risk zones. officials indicate that sustained monitoring will follow to prevent re-encroachment, reinforcing the message that road reserves must remain clear to prevent avoidable tragedies.