Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed owners of abandoned heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, machinery, and large watercraft to remove them within seven days or risk forfeiture. The directive was issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo. This move aims to prevent potential safety hazards amid warnings of imminent flooding in the state.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had warned residents in 21 states, including Ondo, of possible flash flooding between October 1 and 10, 2026. In response, the state government identified abandoned vehicles, heavy equipment, and watercraft as potential safety hazards. A comprehensive survey of abandoned items was conducted across the state's 18 local government areas.
The abandoned items pose risks to motorists, pedestrians, commuters, and users of the state's waterways. Owners of abandoned trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and other heavy machinery have been called upon to remove them to safe and appropriate locations before the deadline. The government aims to prevent avoidable accidents and protect lives and property.
Owners of abandoned boats, barges, and other large commercial watercraft have also been directed to retrieve their vessels and move them to designated safe locations. The exercise is not targeted at legitimate businesses or individuals but rather at preventing potential dangers. Abandoned heavy vehicles and equipment can obstruct traffic, reduce visibility and road space, and expose road users to avoidable danger.
The government will begin enforcement against defaulters after the seven-day deadline. Where owners fail to comply, the government will take necessary enforcement action to remove and impound the abandoned vehicles, equipment, and watercraft. The impounded items could be forfeited to the government in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The measure is part of the Aiyedatiwa administration's efforts to strengthen emergency response and safety enforcement and prevent avoidable loss of lives and property across the state. The government has warned that there will be no extension or grace period after October 7, urging affected owners to comply within the stipulated period.
The directive is a proactive step towards mitigating the risks associated with flooding in the state. By removing abandoned vehicles and watercraft, the government aims to ensure a safer environment for residents. The enforcement exercise will commence on October 7, 2026, and owners are urged to take immediate action to avoid forfeiture.
Key points
- Owners of abandoned vehicles and watercraft have been given a seven-day ultimatum to remove them or risk forfeiture.
- The directive aims to prevent potential safety hazards amid warnings of imminent flooding in the state.
- The government will begin enforcement against defaulters after the seven-day deadline.
