By Abimbola Bamgbose

The Ogun State Government has announced the commencement of tolling operations on the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, effective Monday, March 24, 2025. The initiative ensures sustainable road maintenance, efficient operations, and enhanced safety.

The 14.7km expressway had been in a deplorable state for several years, posing significant challenges to commuters. However, under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the road was reconstructed into a modern expressway equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including toll plazas.

A statement by the Director-General of the Office of Public-Private Partnerships, Mr Dapo Oduwole, explained that despite the road’s Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement, tolling was initially delayed as a gesture of goodwill by Governor Abiodun, who prioritized easing the financial burden on residents.

“The Governor recognized the strategic economic importance of the expressway as a vital link between Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, and Ogun State. This necessitated the swift completion of the project,” Oduwole stated.“

He further assured motorists that the road was fully equipped with essential amenities, which would ensure a seamless travel experience.

Oduwole noted that the government had deliberately postponed tolling since 2021 to provide relief to residents and commuters, and that tolling operations would commence immediately after nearly four years of free usage.

He added that certain categories of vehicles would be exempted from toll payments.

These include emergency response vehicles such as ambulances, fire service trucks, and law enforcement patrol vehicles.

Others are the State Government’s official vehicles and any additional exemptions as determined by the government.