The Ogun State Government has demolished shanties and makeshift structures along the busy Sango Tollgate axis as part of efforts to curb recurring accidents and improve public safety along the Ogun–Lagos corridor.
The enforcement exercise, carried out around the tollgate and under-bridge areas, targeted illegal roadside stalls and temporary structures erected on road setbacks. Authorities said the action followed a series of warning and abatement notices earlier issued to traders occupying the spaces.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the state Ministry of Environment said the demolition formed part of broader measures to restore order on major highways, reduce traffic hazards, and prevent avoidable loss of lives linked to street trading in high-risk areas.
Leading the operation, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Kafayat Lawal, stated that due process was followed before the exercise was carried out, adding that an alternative trading location had been provided for affected traders.
“The demolition was carried out after several warning and abatement notices were served on the street traders to vacate the area, as an alternative place has been provided for them on the Plaza Road, Sango, alongside street traders at Under Bridge,” she said.
Lawal explained that the activities of roadside traders around the tollgate and under the bridge had repeatedly exposed both traders and commuters to danger, especially during traffic incidents.
“The exercise will free the Tollgate and Under Bridge from 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,” she added.
She stressed that the government would not tolerate activities capable of endangering lives or obstructing traffic flow on critical transport corridors.
“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,” the statement read.
The permanent secretary 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.
She warned that enforcement would be sustained, noting that anyone who returns to the tollgate or under-bridge areas would face legal consequences.
The Sango Tollgate corridor remains a major transit route linking Ogun and Lagos states, with heavy vehicular movement driven by its commercial and residential significance. Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over roadside trading along the axis, citing safety risks, traffic obstruction, and frequent accidents.
The state government maintained that the removal of illegal roadside structures is necessary to protect lives, ensure free flow of traffic, and promote orderly urban development.
