Reading through the Opinion article with the above title written by one Osho Seun Raymond published in an online publication, Fackt.com.ng, one is tempted to erroneously conclude that the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency TRACE has been docile, ineffective, and does not match up to its mandate.
This is an assumption that is not only far from the truth but stands logic on its head. Comments are free but opinion tainted with innuendoes, half truths and non-empirical conclusions smacks of deliberate smear campaign that has no foothold.
TRACE since creation in 2005, under the administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel has consistently pursue its mandate of ensuring free flow of traffic, advocacy through public education and enlightenment, prompt rescue and emergency services, promotion of investment and commerce and curbing road fatalities through proactive safety measures. Indeed, these steadfastness has led to the delisting of Ogun state as the “Mortuary of the Nation”, a phrase used to describe the Gateway state before the establishment of TRACE and which TRACE has erased.
Furthermore, TRACE has constantly engaged stakeholders, motorists of all hues-car owners, commerical drivers, truck and articulated vehicle owners-on the need to drive responsibly by obeying traffic rules and keeping their vehicles in good shape before putting them on the road.
It is noteworthy that Raymond acknowledged that “Ogun State is the industrial capital of Nigeria (the nations investment destination of choice), and it will continue to attract massive human and vehicular movement due to its strategic location and proximity to Lagos. With numerous factories, business districts, religious and educational institutions headquarters (with no state matching there numerical strength in numbers) and residential estates springing up across the state, the roads are constantly busy with commercial and private activities.”
He had added that, “What used to be a problem largely associated with commercial drivers and motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada has now spread to private car owners ….
And then this:
“What is most disheartening is that the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, (TRACE), the agency mandated to ensure traffic orderliness in Ogun State, seems to be doing little or nothing to stem the tide.”
This conclusion by the writer is a fallacy and not anchored on any empirical validation. To say that “TRACE has been doing little or nothing…” I repeat, stands logic on its head and brings to fore the writer’s voyage in ignorance and self pity.
TRACE has been consistent in apprehending any breach of traffic rules, not only in Abeokuta, the state capital but in Sango-Ota, Ifo, Oke Odan, Ilaro, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo, Odeda, Ogijo, Ogbere, and even the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway among others.
Drivers who breached one-way drive (route violation), non-adherence to traffic signal lights, excessive speed, overloading, riding motorcycle without wearing crash helmets, among other offences had been apprehended and they are made to face the necessary penalties.
For those who had refused to follow road safety rules, it is a matter of time, they will soon have their cup full… there is zero tolerance for disregard to road safety measures in the state.
Looking from statistics, accidents from road crashes have dropped over time, and this shows that despite the challenges we face, we have continued to do our best to reduce fatalities on Ogun 18 Road corridors.
Statistics: Apprehension
Between January 2024 -January 2025, due consistent public enlightenment campaigns, enforcement and road safety advocacy with the motorists -(private and commercial vehicle drivers) and other stakeholders within the state and those using the state as a passage corridor to other parts of the country, the rate of vehicles apprehended for road safety infractions and those involved in road crashes have decreased.
From 54.75% increase in the number of motor vehicles apprehended between January -June 2024 and July -December 2024, however there was a a significant decline of 71.65% in the number of vehicles apprehended between July -December 2024 and January -June 2025.
In the same vein, the number of trucks apprehended experienced a continuous decline of 1.12% between January -June, July -December 2024 and 58.55% between July -December 2024, January -June 2025.
In the motorcycle category, statistics showed increase of 17.34% between January -June 2024, and July -December 2024, while there was a comparison decline of 49.44% between July -December 2024 and January -June 2025.
Reduction in crashes:
A decline of 13.12% and 43.40% were recorded for buses between January -June 2024, July -December 2024, January -June 2025.
While in the trucks and other articulated vehicles category,there was a reduction of 17.65% and 20% between January -June 2024, July -December 2024, January -June 2025 respectively.
In the cars category, there was a constant reduction of 19.19% and 41.25% for the period in review – January -June 2024, July -December 2024 and July -December and January -June 2025 respectively.
The state government recently approved the employment of additional one thousand (1000) more operatives to join the TRACE to further consolidate on already achieved gains.
While we acknowledge that there are challenges, we are already deploying technology in driving traffic efficiently, and we appeal to the general public, particularly the motoring public, to always adhere to traffic rules and regulations, so as to keep our roads safe.
Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that because safety on our roads is a collective and shared responsibility we will ensure and guarantee safer roads, especially during these ‘Ember Months’ and beyond.
-CDR. BABATUNDE AKINBIYI.
TRACE PRO (M&S)
