By: Temitope Akinbola.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has warned truck drivers to desist from indiscriminate roadside parking, particularly along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Ogere axis, describing the act as barbaric and a major obstruction to the free flow of traffic.

The warning was issued by a senior officer of the agency, Commander Elias Omonayajo, during an interactive session with stakeholders at the Ogere Command, convened to address the persistent menace of illegal roadside parking by truck drivers.

Commander Omonayajo stated that unlawful parking along highways poses serious dangers to other road users and hampers smooth traffic movement. He urged truck owners and union leaders to caution their members and drivers against such practices, stressing that the safety of lives and property is a collective responsibility.

Also speaking at the session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, AIG Shola Subair (rtd), and the Consultant to the Governor on Security, CP Edward Ajogun (rtd), expressed the state government’s displeasure over indiscriminate parking, noting that it violates established traffic regulations and undermines road orderliness. They called on stakeholders to support TRACE in its efforts to ensure free traffic flow and prevent road crashes.

They further explained that the interactive meeting was aimed at providing lasting solutions to the problem, adding that a task force would soon be constituted to commence enforcement and apprehend offenders.

In his response, the Seriki of Ogere, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, appreciated the state government for the engagement and pledged to continue educating truck drivers on compliance with traffic laws and the use of designated parking areas provided by the government. He also appealed to the state government to carry out palliative works within the truck garages to improve their condition.

In separate submissions, the Oba of Imeji Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Onimeji, represented by the Iyaloja of Tiwa New Town, Ogere, Chief Bukunola Sonubi, and Mr. Adenuga Ridwan, representing Dangote Sugar Refinery, noted that illegal parking on highways is a collective challenge that requires sustained sensitization and strict enforcement.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from TRACE, other security agencies, road transport unions including NUPENG and NURTW, manufacturers, and community leaders.