Governor promises measures to reduce living costs, improve workers’ welfare and strengthen public education.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to introduce a government-backed bulk food purchase scheme and expand the state’s mass transit fleet to ease the rising cost of living and transportation for 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 improved living conditions.
The proposed food initiative will be implemented through the planned Gateway Trading Corporation. According to the governor, the scheme will enable the government to purchase essential food items in bulk and make them available to residents at more affordable prices.
He explained that the initiative followed a suggestion by the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, and was designed to provide relief to households struggling with rising food costs.
Abiodun added that offering essential commodities at competitive prices could encourage market traders to review their prices, potentially improving affordability across the state.
More Buses to Ease Transportation Costs
The governor also pledged to increase the number of mass transit buses available to government workers and members of the public.
He said the proposed expansion was in response to concerns raised by organised labour about transportation difficulties, high commuting costs and the need to improve mobility for workers and residents.
On other labour-related issues, Abiodun assured the representatives that concerns over leave allowances and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were receiving attention.
Education, Infrastructure Remain Priorities
Speaking on education, the governor described teachers as essential to the development of Ogun State, noting their role in academic instruction, character formation and preparing young people for responsible leadership.
He disclosed that his administration had constructed and renovated approximately 1,600 classrooms, employed hundreds of teachers over the past seven years and introduced reforms aimed at improving public education.
Abiodun also commended teachers and students from the state for their reported achievements in academic competitions and educational assessments.
He said regular engagement with stakeholders remained important in developing policies that respond to the needs of workers and the wider population.
Labour Leaders Make Additional Demands
In their separate remarks, NLC State Chairman Hameed Ademola-Benco, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Akeem Lasisi and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Chairman Sewakanu Noah commended the state government for what they described as progress across several sectors.
They acknowledged the administration’s record on salary and allowance payments, promotions and the settlement of outstanding gratuities and pensions.
However, the labour leaders called for a review of the Contributory Pension Scheme, the establishment of a Ministry of Labour Affairs and increased financial support for tertiary institutions.
They also expressed support for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The proposed food scheme and mass transit expansion are among the measures the Abiodun administration says it intends to pursue to address economic pressures and improve residents’ welfare.
