Ogun State Government is working towards bringing a lasting solution to the challenges hindering the commencement of trading activities at the Ogere International Produce Market, which was completed in 2019. Operation in the market could not commence due to the demand for compensation by some landowners, among other challenges.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe disclosed this in Abeokuta during a meeting with stakeholders of the Market, stating that the government would adopt both short and long-term solutions including the engagement of a competent private sector player to manage the market facility.

Longe said the government would embark on necessary rehabilitation and put in place adequate security measures, noting that traders willing to meet agreed conditions would be allowed to commence sales of goods.

The Commissioner called on stakeholders to work in harmony with the government in order to resolve the identified challenges, adding that her Ministry would regularly engage them to fashion out ways that would help the market fulfill its potential.

“The government’s role is to provide an enabling environment for the market to function properly. Therefore, the Ministry has already started the process of engaging a competent private sector player that would come in and fix those things so that they will be ready for your use. We want to make sure that the process is done in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner”, Longe said.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Dotun Sorunke, appealed to the stakeholders to work together with the government to ensure that steps taken on the market become fruitful, adding that commencement of trading at the market would help find lasting solutions to the challenges facing it.

In her contribution, the Iyaloja of the Market, Mrs. Winifred Eniola lauded the State government’s effort at ensuring that the market is put in good shape, assuring that traders would cooperate for successful trading in earnest. 

On his part, the Seriki Kara, Oluwanisola Traders Association, Mr. Gbolagade Babalola called on the government to resolve the challenge of compensation of some landowners.