CurrentReport Blog Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has revealed plans to introduce a price control mechanism to make essential commodities more affordable for residents. The governor shared this initiative during a meeting with market leaders, led by the Iyaloja General, Yemisi Abass, at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
As part of this new initiative, the administration is set to reintroduce the Bulk Purchasing Company under the rebranded name “Gateway Trading Company.” This company will facilitate bulk purchases of food items and sell them at lower prices to the public, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on Ogun residents. Governor Abiodun explained that Gateway Trading will operate in four zones across the state, enabling people to access food items at significantly reduced prices compared to market rates.
“We’re going to aggressively implement our Gateway Trading objectives. The initiative will begin in the four zones, where food items will be bought in bulk and sold at more affordable rates to the public,” said Governor Abiodun.
In addition to this price control plan, the governor has declared a ban on illegal levies in the markets. Only development and environmental levies will be permitted, as these contribute to the upkeep and development of the markets. A new market enforcement task force will be established across all 20 local government areas to ensure the implementation of this directive and to curb any form of coercion or intimidation from illegal actors.
“A few illegal taxes have been imposed in markets, such as loading, discharge, and offloading taxes. These will no longer be allowed. We are putting a ban on such illegal levies in any market in Ogun State,” he added. “Anyone found collecting money illegally will be arrested and prosecuted.”
The governor also reassured the farmers of Ogun State that his administration would support them through grants, loans, and the provision of farm implements, thereby boosting agricultural productivity.
In her response, Yemisi Abass, the Iyaloja General and President of Market Women and Men in Ogun State, lauded the governor for engaging with market leaders and addressing pressing economic concerns. She expressed her support for the resolutions and hoped they would ease the financial burdens on the people.
