Ogun State is a state in southwestern Nigeria, bordered to the south by Lagos State and the Bight of Benin, to the east by Ondo State, and to the north by Oyo and Osun states while its western border forms part of the national border with the Republic of Benin. The capital and largest city is Abeokuta, and the state is divided into 20 local government areas.
Economically, Ogun State is a major industrial hub with a growing base of factories and companies, especially along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway corridor.
Ogun ranks in the mid-range in Human Development Index and has the eighth highest GDP in the country.
The state has a very high concentration of industries (the second most industrialized after Lagos State) and has one of the lowest incidences of extreme poverty (around 5% of the population against a national average of 31%) according to World Bank data from 2018.
Major companies in Ogun include the Dangote Cement factory in Ibese, Nestle, Lafarge Cement factory in Ewekoro, Memmcol in Orimerunmu, Coleman Cables in Sagamu and Arepo, Procter & Gamble in Agbara. In September 2024, The Ogun State Government announced the establishment of a $5 million battery recycling plant by a British company and also in August 2025, the Dapo Abiodun-led government, disclosed in a groundbreaking partnership with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), an Indian-headquartered multinational, is set to establish the world’s largest $2 billion garment manufacturing facility in the state.
The state lives up to this name by being the Nigerian centre for metalworking. Here are two examples:
Proforce manufactures armoured vehicles in Ode-Remo (25 km from Lagos), which are also sold to Europe. Since 2008, the company has expanded its product range and also produces drones for the security sector.
The wagon assembly plant in Kajola is the only plant in West Africa that manufactures, maintains and repairs railway vehicles.
Ogun State is also blessed with illustrious people like Abraham Adesanya, Obafemi Awolowo, Olusegun Obasanjo, Moshood Abiola, Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun, Gbenga Daniel, Dapo Abiodun, Mike Adenuga, K1 De Ultimate, Anthony Joshua, and others that have contributed to the development of the state and still contributing.
Today, Ogun State roads that connected borders with Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, and Republic of Benin by roads has turned to death trap for traders, motorists and residents.
Here are 8 lawless markets contributing to gridlock in Ogun State by traders displaying goods on the roads despite paying trade permits to Local Government Area officials.
1. Lafenwa Market – Abeokuta
Lafenwa Market is one of the busiest and oldest markets in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. This market offers a wide range of products including foodstuff, meat, vegetables, clothes, cosmetics, and more.
The market is easily accessible by road and is known for being one of the best places to buy food items at affordable prices. Traders come from nearby villages to sell freshly harvested farm products.
2. Tollgate Market – Ado-Odo/Ota
Tollgate Market, is located near the Ogun-Lagos border and is one of the busiest in Ogun State. It is made up of smaller markets like Abattoir and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo markets.
This market is active daily and deals in a wide range of goods including food items, secondhand clothes, soft drinks, bread, and others.
3. Atan Ota Market – Ado-Odo/Ota
Atan Ota Market is located along Sango –Owode/Idiroko road and it’s a daily market but at every five days people come from different rural area to come and sell farm products.
4. Sango Ota Market – Ado-Odo/Ota
Address: Along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Sango-Ota, Ogun State
Sango Market, is located along Ijoko/Ojuore road and is one of the busiest in Ogun State. It is made up of smaller markets like Kayero and Oba T.T. Dada markets.
This market is active daily and deals in a wide range of goods including food items, secondhand clothes, building materials, electronics, and vehicle spare parts.
5. Lusada Market – Igbesa
Address: Lusada, Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State
Lusada Market is known for its five-day market cycle and serves a wide area including people from Badagry, Idiroko, and even Cotonou. It is a big agricultural market where farmers and traders come to buy and sell foodstuff like garri, rice, yam, groundnut oil, vegetables, and poultry.
6. Mowe Main Market – Mowe
Address: Mowe, Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun State
Mowe Market is a growing commercial center located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It serves many residents and has a wide range of goods including maize, pepper, fruits, mobile phone accessories, and even building materials.
7. Ifo Market – Ifo LGA
Ifo Market is located along Lagos – Abeokuta expressway, its the major market of Ifo town and it’s local government.
It is made up of markets like Main market (Oja nla) and Farmers market (Oja Agbe) or the Royal market (Oja Oba).
8. Ijebu-Ode Main Market – Ijebu-Ode
Address: Ijebu-Ode, Ogun East Senatorial District
This is the main market in Ijebu-Ode, a commercial town known for its vibrant economy. The market operates every day and is well-organized. It sells everything from farm produce to household items, clothing, and traditional food ingredients.
A commuter, Mr Lawal told Newclick Nigeria that he believed that Ogun State Government are in support of the traders displaying goods on the highway despite there are vacant shops built by government in some markets.
Also, Mr Idowu a commercial driver expressed discomfort experience daily on the roads by attitude of the traders that blocked highways with their goods that constitute traffic everyday. Traders are risking their lives, which most has been killed or disabled by accident.
The Ogun State, Ministry of Environment Joint Taskforce, led by Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Tunde Farouk, recently disclosed that the traders were warned severally to desist from selling on the walkway and on the road.
Farouk emphasised that the decision was taken in order to safeguard the safety of road users and pedestrians, since the activities of the traders can cause significant disruptions and endanger public safety.
He maintained that the decision was made to protect the well-being of both pedestrians and other road users.
“This is a reminder to everyone that street trading is not only illegal but also poses a major risk to both the traders and the public.
“The pavements and roads are not meant for commercial activities, and it is our duty to ensure that they are kept clear for pedestrians and motorists to use without hindrance,” he said.
Farouk urged the traders to find alternative means to conduct their businesses, in designated areas provided by the government.
