Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has revealed plans to introduce a price control mechanism in the state. He also announced the immediate suspension of all forms of market levies, with only development and environmental levies allowed, as they contribute to market improvements.
During a meeting with market leaders led by Iyaloja General Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Abass at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun detailed his administration’s strategy to curb rising food prices. The state government will soon launch the Gateway Trading Company, formerly known as the Bulk Purchasing Company, to make food items more affordable. This initiative will initially operate in four zones of the state, where bulk purchasing and reselling at lower prices will be implemented.
Governor Abiodun also announced a ban on all forms of market levies in Ogun State. A market enforcement task force will be established, with a central body in the state and local branches in each of the 20 local government areas. This task force will eliminate illegal levies, coercion, and intimidation within the markets. The governor emphasized that anyone caught collecting illegal fees would face legal consequences. He also vowed to address the issue of exorbitant shop and stall rents imposed on market traders by developers.
In addition, Governor Abiodun stated that his administration would support farmers’ associations with grants, loans, and farm implements. The state is finalizing an Ogun Empowerment Scheme, offering low-interest loans or grants to market traders, particularly those in the informal sector.
The governor also stressed the importance of effective waste management in markets, with collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Ogun State Waste Management Agency, and the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure dumpsters are readily available and regularly emptied.
Chief Yemisi Abass, President of Market Women and Men in Ogun State, praised the governor for the initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the resolutions made during the meeting.