Angry residents on Saturday morning shut down the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Expressway in response to what they called unfair and unbearable tollgate fees newly imposed by the Ogun State Government.
The protest, which began in the early hours, caused a major traffic halt along the busy highway. Protesters used tires, wood, and other materials to block both sides of the road, leaving travelers stuck for hours.
The demonstration, which started at the Fari section of the expressway, extended towards Mojoda in Epe, Lagos, affecting both private and commercial vehicles.
Chanting loud solidarity songs and carrying placards, the demonstrators made their anger clear. They accused the government of pushing more financial burden on citizens already struggling with the rising cost of living.
A trailer driver caught up in the gridlock expressed his frustration over the new toll charges. “I paid N3000 just this early morning. How much are we making that they want to collect everything from us?” he asked angrily.
Another driver, Mr. Odinaka, who was meant to travel, said he had decided to join the protest. “I am traveling but I will stay here and join them to protest. They have to stop embezzling money from the poor citizens of Nigeria who are struggling to survive,” he said.
Many residents in the area say this is not the first time they are facing such issues. They noted that previous promises by the government to make toll collections fair and transparent have not been fulfilled.
