The Ogun State Government has issued a formal apology to motorists and commuters over the toll fees introduced on the 14-kilometre dualized Ijebu-Ode–Epe Road, following widespread backlash describing the charges as excessive and inconsiderate.
The apology followed public outcry after an investigative report by Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, revealed toll rates as high as N500 for cars, N1,000 for buses, and N2,500 for trucks.
Drivers who spoke with the station on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, accused the state government of being insensitive to the economic hardship currently facing Nigerians.
“The government didn’t consider what people are going through. These charges are too high,” one commercial bus driver told reporters.
In response to the growing criticism, Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, during a live interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, on Friday, May 2, 2025, publicly acknowledged the public’s frustration and apologized for what he described as an avoidable oversight.
“We express our deepest apologies to all of our stakeholders present at the meeting we held on Monday to address the price rate.”
“It was an omission. We did stakeholders’ meeting but not as extensive as we should have done. We deeply apologize for that,” Dario said.
The Commissioner further stated, “We understand the concerns raised by the public, and in hindsight, there should have been proper consultation.”
Dairo announced that the toll regime is currently under review and a revised proposal has been submitted to Governor Dapo Abiodun for scrutiny.
He assured that adjustments will be made within seven days and the public will be properly informed.
“We will work towards a more inclusive approach going forward,” he said, urging residents to remain patient while discussions are ongoing.
Defending the rationale behind the tolling, Dairo explained that the move was part of the state’s infrastructure sustainability efforts under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
“The idea is to collect enough money to operate that road,” he said. “There’s a refinery nearby, and the road has become a major access route unlike before. We also intend to raise funds to complete the project with final touches like lighting and security installations.”
He linked the initiative to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s broader development agenda, stating: “At the time His Excellency, the Governor of our dear state, was selling himself to the people, he made it clear that his ambition was to improve the prosperity of citizens through rapid industrialization and commercialization.”
Highlighting the key role of transportation in driving economic progress, Dairo added: “Transportation unlocks access to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic growth.”
On the issue of transparency in revenue collection, Dairo said: “Private contractors managing the toll operations are using both electronic payment and cash systems. Tickets are issued for every payment, ensuring traceability and accountability. We also have digital systems in place to monitor the collections.”
He concluded by assuring residents that the government is committed to balancing development with the wellbeing of its people and promised further engagements to review tolling options.
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