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 and workers.

The governor 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 policies aimed at improving living conditions across the state.

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

He explained that the initiative was developed in response to rising living costs and followed a suggestion by the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Hameed Ademola-Benco.

The governor said bulk purchasing would enable the government to negotiate better prices for essential goods, potentially easing pressure on household budgets. He added that making commodities available at lower prices could also encourage traders in open markets to review their prices and increase competition.

On transportation, Abiodun promised to increase the number of mass transit buses available to government workers and other members of the public. He said the planned expansion was intended to address concerns raised by labour leaders over daily commuting costs and the availability of public transport.

The governor also addressed concerns about leave allowances and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), assuring the labour representatives that the issues were receiving attention. He stressed that regular engagement with organised labour remained important in developing policies that respond to workers’ needs.

Abiodun further highlighted his administration’s investments in education, stating that about 1,600 classrooms had been constructed or renovated and hundreds of teachers employed over the past seven years. He described teachers as essential to students’ academic development, character formation and preparation for future leadership.

He also commended Ogun teachers and students for achievements in academic competitions and assessments, attributing their performance to the contributions of government, educators, parents and other stakeholders.

The labour leaders, including NLC Chairman Hameed Ademola-Benco, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Akeem Lasisi and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Chairman Sewakanu Noah, praised the administration for what they described as progress across several sectors. They also acknowledged the payment of salaries and allowances, regular promotions, and the settlement of outstanding gratuities and pensions.

However, they 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 representatives also pledged support for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in the party’s leadership.