Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has unveiled plans to introduce a price control mechanism aimed at making food items more affordable for residents.
During a meeting with market leaders, including the Iyaloja General, Yemisi Abass, at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Abiodun revealed that the state government will soon launch the Gateway Trading Company, formerly known as the Bulk Purchase Company.
Abiodun stated that the Gateway Trading Company will purchase food items in bulk and sell them at significantly reduced prices compared to regular market rates. This initiative will initially roll out in the state’s four zones, with the goal of ensuring more affordable prices for the public.
In addition, the governor announced a ban on all unauthorised market levies, including loading, discharge, and offloading taxes. Only development and environmental levies, which are necessary for market upkeep, will be permitted.
These levies must be publicly agreed upon and disclosed.
To enforce these new regulations, a market enforcement task force will be established at the state level and replicated in all twenty local government areas. The task force will address illegal taxes and prevent coercion and intimidation in the markets.
Governor Abiodun also committed to supporting farmers’ associations with grants, loans, and farm implements.
Yemisi Abass, the President of Market Women and Men in Ogun State, praised the governor for addressing market issues and welcomed the resolutions reached during the meeting.
