Governor unveils Gateway Trading Corporation initiative, assures workers on pension, leave allowance; labour leaders seek reforms, pledge support for APC in 2027
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to introduce a government-backed bulk food purchasing scheme and expand the state’s mass transit fleet as part of efforts to cushion the effects of rising living costs on workers and other residents.
The governor disclosed the initiatives 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, affordable transportation and policies aimed at improving the standard of living across the state.
The proposed food purchasing scheme, which is expected to operate through the planned Gateway Trading Corporation, is designed to make essential food items and household commodities available to residents at more affordable prices.
Abiodun explained that the initiative was conceived in response to the increasing cost of living and followed a suggestion by the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco.
According to the governor, bulk purchasing would enable the government to negotiate better prices for essential commodities, creating an opportunity to provide relief to households struggling with rising food expenses.
He added that the availability of essential goods at more affordable prices through the government-backed arrangement could also encourage competition in the open market, potentially prompting traders to review their prices in response to the initiative.
The governor assured the labour leaders that his administration would work towards making the scheme operational, stressing that government interventions must be practical and responsive to the economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.
The planned intervention is expected to focus on improving access to essential commodities, although its ultimate impact will depend on the implementation framework, the range of products covered and the prices at which the goods become available to the public.
Abiodun promises more buses to ease commuting costs
In a related development, the governor promised to increase the number of buses operating under the state’s mass transit arrangements to improve transportation for government workers and members of the public.
He said the planned expansion followed concerns raised by organised labour over the need for more buses to ease daily commuting, reduce transportation expenses and improve mobility across Ogun State.
Abiodun noted that transportation remained a significant component of household expenditure, particularly for workers who travel daily to their workplaces and residents who depend on public transport for business, education and other essential activities.
He maintained that improving public transportation was an important part of his administration’s broader commitment to workers’ welfare, adding that an expanded bus fleet would help address some of the difficulties associated with daily movement.
The governor’s announcement comes amid continuing concerns over the pressure of food and transportation costs on household budgets, with workers and other residents seeking measures that can translate into meaningful economic relief.
If effectively implemented, the proposed initiatives could provide additional options for residents seeking affordable food supplies and more accessible public transportation.
Pension scheme, leave allowance under consideration
The meeting also provided an opportunity for organised labour to raise concerns about outstanding workers’ welfare issues, particularly leave allowance and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Responding to the concerns, Abiodun assured the labour representatives that the issues were receiving the necessary attention from his administration.
The development reflects the continuing engagement between the state government and labour unions over employment conditions, retirement benefits and other matters affecting the financial security of public servants.
The labour representatives, however, called for a review of the Contributory Pension Scheme, indicating that pension administration and the welfare of retired workers remain important areas requiring further government attention.
They also advocated the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Labour Affairs to strengthen engagement between the government and organised labour, as well as increased subventions to tertiary institutions to support their operations.
The requests formed part of a broader discussion on how government policies could better address the needs of workers, retirees and institutions across the state.
Teachers remain central to Ogun's development — Governor
Beyond food affordability, transportation and pension matters, the governor used the meeting to highlight the role of education and the contributions of teachers to the development of Ogun State.
Abiodun described teachers as indispensable to the growth of society, noting that their responsibilities extend beyond classroom instruction to character formation, discipline and the preparation of young people for responsible leadership.
He observed that the quality of education in any society depends substantially on the competence, dedication and commitment of its teachers, whose influence helps shape the future of individuals and the nation.
Reflecting on his personal experience, the governor said quality teaching and proper upbringing had contributed to shaping his values and influencing his journey in life.
He disclosed that his administration had constructed and renovated approximately 1,600 classrooms over the past seven years and employed hundreds of teachers as part of efforts to strengthen public education.
According to him, the government has also introduced reforms aimed at improving teaching and learning, while providing an environment in which teachers can contribute more effectively to students’ academic and personal development.
The governor commended teachers in the state for their performances, which he said had earned them recognition and awards at national and international levels.
He equally praised Ogun students 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 maintained that continued investment in education remained essential to preparing young people for future opportunities and sustaining the state's development aspirations.
Governor appreciates organised labour
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Abiodun said it was organised to appreciate organised labour for its support since the inception of his administration and to provide an avenue for constructive engagement on issues affecting workers and the wider public.
He commended the union leaders for their contributions, suggestions and continued participation in discussions on government policies.
The governor emphasised that regular consultations with stakeholders were necessary to ensure that government decisions reflected the concerns and expectations of the people.
He added that constructive engagement between the government and labour organisations would help identify areas requiring attention and promote solutions capable of improving workers’ welfare.
The meeting therefore served as both an appreciation gathering and a platform for discussions on economic challenges, public transportation, pension administration, education and the broader welfare of Ogun residents.
Labour leaders commend administration, demand further reforms
In their separate remarks, the Ogun State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed 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 Abiodun administration for what they described as development across various sectors of the state.
The labour representatives acknowledged the administration’s payment of salaries and allowances, regular promotions and settlement of outstanding gratuities and pensions.
They described these measures as important aspects of workers’ welfare while highlighting the need for further interventions to address issues that continue to concern public servants and retirees.
Among their demands were a review of the Contributory Pension Scheme, the establishment of a Ministry of Labour Affairs and increased subventions to tertiary institutions.
The requests underscored the need for sustained dialogue between the government and labour unions on pension administration, institutional funding and the protection of workers’ interests.
The labour leaders also expressed support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating their confidence in the party’s leadership.
They said they needed “someone who will serve with dignity, beautiful at heart and beautiful in character,” stressing the importance they attached to leadership qualities and public service.
Their declaration adds a political dimension to the engagement, which was primarily focused on workers’ welfare, economic pressures and development priorities in Ogun State.
Focus shifts to implementation
With the proposed bulk food purchasing scheme, plans to expand mass transit services and assurances on workers’ concerns, attention will now turn to how the commitments are translated into practical measures that benefit residents.
For households facing rising food expenses, the effectiveness of the Gateway Trading Corporation initiative will depend on the affordability, accessibility and consistent availability of the commodities offered.
Similarly, the proposed expansion of the mass transit fleet will be judged by the number of additional buses deployed, the routes covered, service frequency and the extent to which the intervention helps commuters manage their daily transportation costs.
For organised labour, the key issues will include progress on the Contributory Pension Scheme, leave allowance, funding for tertiary institutions and the proposed Ministry of Labour Affairs.
As the discussions continue, the meeting highlights the growing importance of collaboration between government and labour organisations in responding to economic pressures and shaping policies that address the needs of workers and the wider population.
The governor’s latest commitments signal an intention to combine targeted economic interventions with continued engagement on public-sector welfare, while the implementation of the proposed measures will determine the extent of relief they ultimately deliver to Ogun residents.
