Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced plans to introduce a government-backed bulk food purchase scheme and expand the state’s mass transit fleet to ease the rising cost of living.
The proposed scheme, to be implemented through the planned Gateway Trading Corporation, is expected to make essential food items and household commodities available to residents at more affordable prices.
Abiodun disclosed the plans during a meeting with organised labour representatives from the Ijebu axis in Ijebu-Ode, where he discussed workers’ welfare and measures to address economic pressures on households.
He said the initiative followed a suggestion by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Hameed Ademola-Benco, and would allow the government to negotiate lower prices by purchasing essential goods in bulk.
According to the governor, the availability of cheaper commodities through the platform could also encourage traders in the open market to review their prices.
Abiodun said his administration would work towards making the scheme operational, stressing the need for policies that respond to the financial challenges facing workers and other residents.
On transportation, he promised to increase the number of mass transit buses to improve commuting and reduce the cost of daily travel. The plan followed concerns raised by labour representatives over the availability of buses for workers and the public.
The governor also said issues relating to leave allowances and the Contributory Pension Scheme were receiving attention.
Abiodun used the meeting to highlight his administration’s investment in education, saying about 1,600 classrooms had been constructed or renovated over the past seven years, while hundreds of teachers had been employed.
He described teachers as central to the state’s development, noting that their responsibilities included character formation and preparing young people for leadership.
The governor also praised Ogun students for their performances in academic competitions and educational assessments, attributing their achievements to the efforts of teachers, parents and other stakeholders.
The meeting, he said, was intended to appreciate organised labour for its support and provide an opportunity to discuss issues affecting workers and the wider public.
In their remarks, Ademola-Benco; the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Akeem Lasisi; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Sewakanu Noah, commended the administration over developments in different sectors.
They praised the payment of salaries and allowances, regular promotions and the settlement of outstanding gratuities and pensions.
However, the labour leaders called for a review of the Contributory Pension Scheme, the establishment of a Ministry of Labour Affairs and increased subventions to tertiary institutions.
They also pledged support for All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections, saying they wanted leaders who would serve with integrity.
“We need someone who will serve with dignity, beautiful at heart and beautiful in character,” they said.
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