Ogun State Government has advised aggrieved traders at the Olabisi Onabanjo International Market, Ijebu-Ode, who protested the upward review of rent and other challenges, to respect and comply with the arrangement made with stakeholders on the rent review across state-owned markets pending when all grievances are resolved.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, said the state government was working on amicably resolving the issues.

The statement read in part, “Work is ongoing to ensure the issues raised on the review of rent from N1,000 to N2,000 as well as other issues like the alleged non-proactiveness of market executives, inadequate security and unchecked activities of miscreants are resolved as quickly as possible”.

“While the government continues to serve the interest of traders and the good people of Ogun State, it is important for traders to allow peace to reign, respect constituted authority and comply with arrangements made with stakeholders across markets in the state.”

The statement explained that the upward review in rates was necessary for the government to address the challenges of insecurity and upgrade the infrastructural facilities at the markets.

It also stated that “according to the Ogun State Market Development Board, this review is long overdue as the old rates have been in existence since 2012.”

The statement noted that traders at other markets had already complied with the agreed review.

“Already, out of the five state-owned markets, traders at the Oba Lipede Ultra Modern Market Kuto, Sagamu International Market, June 12 Market Panseke and Yewa International Market Ajilete/Owode have been paying the new rates which were introduced after over 10 years.”