Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has unveiled plans to introduce a price control mechanism aimed at reducing the cost of food items across the state. Speaking during a meeting with market leaders, led by the Iyaloja General, Yemisi Abass, at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta on Thursday, Abiodun outlined the state’s intention to implement a Bulk Purchasing and Selling initiative through the newly rebranded Gateway Trading Company.
“We’ve resolved that we will begin the implementation of Bulk Purchase and Selling in the state. To that extent, the state government has rebranded our Bulk Purchase Company. It is now called Gateway Trading Board,” the governor said. “Gateway Trading will now assist in bringing food items to our teeming public at prices that will be significantly below what they can obtain when they go to the market themselves.”
The governor explained that the initiative would initially be rolled out in four zones of the state, allowing the company to purchase goods in bulk and resell them at more affordable prices for the public. “We are going to aggressively implement our Gateway Trading objectives,” he added.
In addition to the price control measures, Governor Abiodun announced a ban on all illegal levies in the markets, such as loading and offloading taxes. Only development and environmental levies will be allowed, and they must be agreed upon and made public.
“A few things have been identified by way of illegal taxes that are being imposed right there in the market… From now on, we are putting a ban on such illegal levies in any market in Ogun State,” Abiodun declared. “Any person found collecting money illegally by way of tolls will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law; we are not going to tolerate any of these illegalities.”
He also revealed plans to establish a market enforcement task force to oversee the regulation of market activities and curb illegal practices, noting that the task force would have a central body in the state and corresponding bodies in each of the 20 local government areas.
In her remarks, Yemisi Abass, President of Market Women and Men in Ogun State and Iyaloja of Yewaland, commended Governor Abiodun for his proactive steps to address the challenges in the market. She praised the resolutions reached during the meeting, expressing optimism that they would help ease the burden on the people of Ogun State.
Abiodun also announced plans to support farmers’ associations with grants, loans, and farm implements, further bolstering efforts to reduce food costs and improve agricultural productivity in the state.
