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

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 reduce the financial burden on 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 living conditions across the state.

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

The governor said the initiative followed a suggestion by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, amid 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 and pass the benefits on to households struggling with rising living expenses.

He added that the initiative could also encourage competition in the open market, as traders might be compelled to review their prices in response to the availability of cheaper goods through the government-backed platform.

The governor assured the labour leaders that his administration would work towards making the scheme operational, stressing that government policies must provide practical solutions to the economic challenges confronting workers and other residents.

On transportation, Abiodun promised to increase the number of mass transit buses available to government workers and members of the public.

He said the planned expansion was aimed at addressing concerns raised by organised labour over inadequate public transportation, high commuting costs and the need to improve mobility across the state.

The governor noted that an improved public transport system would help reduce the financial pressure on workers who depend on daily commuting.

He 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 indispensable to Ogun State’s development, noting that their responsibilities extended beyond classroom instruction to character building, discipline and preparing young people for leadership.

He said the quality of education in any society depended largely on the competence and commitment of its teachers, adding that their influence was critical to shaping the future of individuals and the nation.

Reflecting on his personal experience, the governor said quality teaching and proper upbringing had helped shape his values and contributed to his journey in life.

Abiodun 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.

He commended Ogun teachers for their performance, which he said had earned them recognition and awards at national and international levels.

The governor also praised students from the state for their achievements in academic competitions and educational assessments, describing their performance as evidence of the collective efforts of government, teachers, parents and other stakeholders to sustain high educational standards.

Abiodun said the meeting was convened to appreciate organised labour for its support since the inception of his administration and to provide an opportunity for constructive engagement on issues affecting workers and the wider public.

He stressed that regular consultations with stakeholders remained essential to developing policies that addressed the needs of residents.

In their separate remarks, the Ogun State NLC Chairman, 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, alongside other labour leaders, commended the administration for what they described as development 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 All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates 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.”