Abiodun Plans Bulk Food Purchase Scheme, More Buses to Ease Cost of Living in Ogun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to introduce a government-backed bulk food purchase scheme to reduce the cost of essential commodities and expand the state’s mass transit fleet to ease transportation costs for workers and residents.

Abiodun disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with organised labour representatives from the Ijebu axis in Ijebu-Ode, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and improving residents’ living conditions.

The proposed food initiative, to be implemented through the planned Gateway Trading Corporation, is designed to make essential food items and household commodities available at more affordable prices.

The governor said the scheme followed a suggestion by the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, in response to rising food prices and the growing cost of living.

According to Abiodun, bulk purchasing would enable the government to negotiate better prices for essential commodities, provide relief to households and encourage competition in the open market, potentially prompting traders to review their prices.

He assured the labour leaders that his administration would work towards making the initiative operational, stressing the need for policies that directly address the economic challenges confronting residents.

On transportation, Abiodun promised to increase the number of mass transit buses available to public servants and other residents, following concerns raised by organised labour over the need for improved public transportation.

He said the expansion would help ease daily commuting, reduce transportation expenses and improve mobility across the state.

The governor also addressed concerns over leave allowance and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), assuring the labour representatives that the issues were receiving attention.

On education, Abiodun described teachers as critical to the development of Ogun State, noting that their responsibilities extended beyond classroom instruction to character development, discipline and the preparation of young people for leadership.

He disclosed that his administration had constructed and renovated about 1,600 classrooms, employed hundreds of teachers over the past seven years and introduced reforms to improve teaching and learning in public schools.

Abiodun commended teachers in the state for their performance and recognition at national and international levels, while also praising students for their achievements in academic competitions and educational assessments.

He said the meeting was organised to appreciate organised labour for its support since the inception of his administration and to provide an avenue for discussions on issues affecting workers and the wider public.

The governor also stressed the importance of regular consultations with labour unions and other stakeholders in developing policies that respond to the needs of residents.

In their separate remarks, the Ogun State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco; the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi; and the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Sewakanu Noah, commended the administration for its performance across various sectors.

The labour leaders acknowledged the payment of salaries and allowances, regular promotions, and the settlement of outstanding gratuities and pensions.

They, however, called for a review of the Contributory Pension Scheme, the establishment of a Ministry of Labour Affairs and increased subventions to tertiary institutions.

The labour leaders also pledged their support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in the party’s leadership.

They said they wanted “someone who will serve with dignity, beautiful at heart and beautiful in character.”