Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced plans to introduce a price control mechanism to regulate the cost of food items in the state.
During a meeting with market leaders, the governor declared that all forms of market levies have been suspended, except for development and environmental levies, which will be used for market development.
To control the rising prices of food items, the state government will soon launch its Bulk Purchasing Company, rebranded as Gateway Trading Company.
This initiative aims to make food items more affordable for people by buying in bulk and reselling at lower prices.
The company will operate in four zones, purchasing food items in bulk and selling them at reduced prices.
Governor Abiodun also announced a ban on all forms of illegal levies in markets across the state, including loading, discharge, and offloading taxes.
Only development and environmental levies, which are meant for market upkeep, will be allowed.
These levies must be agreed upon and made public.
The governor identified middlemen who add no value to food items as a major contributor to inflated prices.
These individuals coerce or intimidate farmers into selling at higher prices.
The government aims to eliminate this practice and ensure that farmers sell their produce at fair prices.
Mrs. Yemisi Abass, Iyaloja General, commended Governor Abiodun for engaging market leaders in discussions to make life more bearable for the people of Ogun State.
