Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has ordered an immediate statewide crackdown on illegal garages, emphasizing their detrimental impact on commuters and the community.
The PUNCH reported that the governor’s directive, conveyed in a statement, on Monday, denounces the unauthorised operations of these garages, highlighting their role in imposing excessive fees and unexplained levies on drivers and passengers.
The clampdown comes as Ogun intensifies its efforts to alleviate financial strain by lowering transportation costs across the state.
The governor’s directive follows recent action by the Ogun Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, led by Chairman Alhaji Farook Akintunde.
This task force recently dismantled two unauthorized garages, located at NNPC Junction and near the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, citing their environmental hazards and illegal roadside operations.
Commending the task force, Abiodun extended the order across Ogun, specifically targeting areas with high activity, such as the Mowe-Ibafo corridor and Sango-Ota.
The statement said, “While commending the Taskforce, Abiodun ordered the extension of the exercise statewide and a total clampdown on illegal garages, particularly in the Mowe-Ibafo axis and Sango-Ota.”
The governor’s decision also underscores safety concerns, as these illegal garages often become hubs for criminal activity, with operators setting up makeshift shelters and shanties that serve as potential hideouts for criminals.
“As a responsible government, we will not stand by and watch the operators of these garages expose our people to unnecessary danger,” Abiodun declared.
In his statement, Abiodun also called on citizens to avoid illegal garages, opting instead for recognized, government-approved facilities.
He encouraged residents to utilize the state’s CNG buses, aimed at offering an economical and comfortable transportation option, saying, “This is a crucial period when our citizens deserve all possible support to alleviate the current economic realities in the country.”
