Ogun Governor Orders Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Garages

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has issued a directive to shut down illegal garages across the state, emphasising their exploitative practices towards commuters and drivers. In a statement released on Monday, Abiodun condemned these unauthorised garages for levying excessive charges on users, a practice he deemed unacceptable given the state’s efforts to lower transportation fares amid rising economic challenges.

The governor’s directive follows recent actions by the State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, led by Chairman Alhaji Farook Akintunde. The taskforce had closed two illegal garages at the NNPC Junction and opposite the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, citing the facilities as environmental nuisances that disrupted traffic flow and operated unlawfully along the roadside.

Abiodun praised the taskforce for its intervention and ordered an immediate statewide expansion of the clampdown, with particular focus on areas like Mowe-Ibafo and Sango-Ota. He underscored the state’s responsibility to protect citizens from potential dangers posed by illegal operations, stressing that the government will not tolerate any activity that jeopardises public safety.

The governor also advised residents to avoid using illegal garages and to utilise government-sanctioned facilities, including affordable government-operated CNG buses. He highlighted that these measures align with his administration’s commitment to offering relief to Ogun citizens amid challenging economic conditions.