The Ogun State Government has tendered an apology to motorists and commuters plying the 14-kilometre dualized Ijebu-Ode–Epe Road, following public outrage over what many have described as excessive toll charges.
The apology comes amid growing calls for transparency and fairness in the tolling process introduced under the current administration.
According to a report carried out by reporters of Eagle 102.5 FM Ilese-Ijebu, on Tuesday 29TH, 2025, the drivers said the collection fees were N500 for cars, N1,000 for buses, and N2,500 for trucks as tolls.
They also accused the government of being insensitive to their plight, saying that it failed to consider the hardship facing Nigerians.
However, Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, on Friday, 2nd May, apologized to the public for the distress caused by the hasty decisions without consultations.
He admitted that the government could have done better by engaging relevant stakeholders before introducing the toll fees.
“We expressed 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 stakeholder meetings, but not as extensive as we should have done. We deeply apologize for that”
We understand the concerns raised by the public, and in hindsight, there should have been proper consultation,” Dairo said.
However, the Commissioner promised that changes would be made in 7 days and proper communication would be channelled to the public. He disclosed that a review of the toll regime has already been submitted to the Governor for scrutiny. “We will work towards a more inclusive approach going forward,” he assured, urging the public to remain patient as discussions progress.
Responding to the initial need for the fee, He explained that the toll system is not merely a revenue-generating tool, but a critical component of the state’s infrastructure sustainability plan under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). “The idea is to collect enough money to allow us to operate that road. There is a refinery close to us,, and the road has become the route for man,y, unlike before. Additionally, we also want to raise some money to put final touches on the road such as illumination and adequate security facility,” he noted.
Highlighting the developmental vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Dairo said: “At the time His Excellency, the Governor of our dear state, was selling himself to the people of Ogun State, he made clear that his ambition was to improve the prosperity of citizens… and that meant he wanted rapid industrialization and commercialization.”
He added that transportation plays a vital role in unlocking access to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic growth.
Dairo assured residents that the government remains committed to balancing infrastructure development with citizens’ welfare. He stated that further engagements would be held to explore possible adjustments to the toll fares.
“We will work towards a more inclusive approach going forward,” he promised while urging the public to remain patient as discussions continue.
On the issue of accountability and remittance of revenue, the Commissioner clarified that private contractors employed for the toll operations utilize both electronic payment systems and cash transactions. “Tickets are issued for every payment made, ensuring traceability and accountability,” he said, adding that measures are in place to monitor collections digitally.
