The Ogun State Government has begun a major traffic re-engineering exercise on key roads across the state in an effort to reduce road accidents, ease traffic congestion, and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The project, being carried out by the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, focuses on major highways, busy urban roads, and accident-prone intersections. The exercise is designed to improve traffic flow, especially at U-turns, junctions, and high-traffic corridors where accidents and traffic delays are common.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing works, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olugbenga Dairo, said the initiative was part of the state government’s commitment to making roads safer and more organised. He was represented during the inspection by the Director of Transport Engineering, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim.
According to the commissioner, the traffic re-engineering work is currently ongoing in major areas such as Lafenwa in Abeokuta, Sango-Ota, and Sagamu. These locations were selected due to their heavy traffic volume and history of frequent road crashes.
He explained that the exercise involves redesigning traffic movement patterns and installing standard traffic control devices. This includes clear road markings, zebra crossings for pedestrians, and the installation of new traffic signs at strategic points.
“The intervention covers major highways and urban roads in Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Sango-Ota, and Sagamu,” Dairo said. “The aim is to improve safety and ensure free flow of traffic, particularly at critical intersections and U-turns.”
He revealed that several new traffic signs have already been installed at the Lafenwa U-turn, near the First Bank area and the Brewery Junction. These locations are known for heavy traffic and frequent confusion among drivers, especially during peak hours.
According to him, the new signs are meant to guide motorists properly, reduce sudden stops, and prevent reckless driving that often leads to accidents. He added that similar interventions would soon be extended to other busy areas, including the Sagamu Interchange and Express Junction.
In addition to road signs and markings, the ministry has also carried out routine maintenance and rehabilitation of traffic light systems at key junctions across the state. These include Iyana Mortuary and Sapon in Abeokuta, as well as other important traffic points.
The commissioner said many traffic lights had become faulty or poorly visible over time due to wear and tear, weather conditions, and lack of maintenance. Their repair and upgrade, he said, would help improve traffic control and reduce confusion at intersections.
Traffic re-engineering is a modern approach to road management that focuses on using proper design, clear signs, and effective traffic control devices to guide road users. Experts say that when roads are properly designed and maintained, accidents can be reduced significantly.
Ogun State, due to its location as a major gateway between Lagos and other parts of the country, experiences heavy traffic daily. Thousands of vehicles pass through the state, including trucks, buses, and private cars. This heavy movement has made road safety a major concern for the government.
In recent years, Ogun has recorded several road accidents, many of them linked to poor road signs, faulty traffic lights, illegal U-turns, and lack of pedestrian crossings. The government says the current exercise is meant to address these challenges.
Mr. Dairo stressed that the traffic re-engineering exercise is not a one-time project but a continuous process. He said it forms part of broader efforts by the state to promote discipline, order, and compliance with traffic rules across the four geographical zones of Ogun State.
“The exercise is continuous and part of our wider plan to promote discipline, sanity, and adherence to modern traffic engineering standards across the state,” he said.
He urged all road users, including motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians, to obey traffic signs and signals. According to him, compliance is key to protecting lives and property.
He warned that traffic signs and signals are not decorations but important tools meant to guide movement on the roads. Ignoring them, he said, puts everyone at risk.
By improving the visibility and standardisation of traffic control devices, the Ogun State Government hopes to reduce such errors and make it easier for road users to follow the rules.
The commissioner also noted that the proper placement of zebra crossings would help protect pedestrians, especially in busy markets, schools, and residential areas. Pedestrians, he said, are among the most vulnerable road users and must be given special consideration in road design.
Residents in some of the affected areas have welcomed the development, saying it was long overdue. A commercial driver in Lafenwa said the lack of clear road signs had caused confusion for years.
“Sometimes drivers don’t know where to turn or stop, and that leads to accidents,” he said. “With clear signs and working traffic lights, things will improve.”
Another resident in Sango-Ota said the area experiences heavy traffic daily due to its closeness to Lagos and the presence of many industries.
“This place needs proper traffic control,” she said. “If the government can fix the signs and lights, it will help everyone.”
The Ogun State Government has said it will continue to monitor the impact of the traffic re-engineering exercise and make adjustments where necessary. Officials also hinted that enforcement would be strengthened to ensure that road users obey traffic rules.
As the project continues, the government is calling on the public to cooperate and be patient during the period of adjustment. Authorities believe that with improved road design, clear traffic signs, and responsible behaviour by road users, accidents can be reduced and travel made safer across Ogun State.