The Oyo State Government has urged private company owners to prioritize their employees’ welfare, emphasizing that a healthy and secured workforce is crucial for a thriving economy and society.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Commerce, and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi stated this on Tuesday during the ongoing engagement and Sensitization visit by the Industrial Crisis Management Team to various production companies within the Ibadan metropolis.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Industry, Engr. Mrs. Majeedat Olanrewaju said the visit is a continuation of sensitization engagement with the production companies in the State aimed at improving workplace safety, protecting workers’ welfare, and preventing industrial crises in the State.

He explained that the engagement was also to afford the team  interaction with management and union representatives, ensure workers’ welfare, and verify that health facilities and safety standards are in place.

He reiterated the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration’s commitment to fostering a more robust and investor-friendly environment in the State.

According to him, the visit will avail the team opportunity to evaluate what has been done, what is  currently being done and the future plans of production companies in the State for the welfare of their staff.

“The essence of the outreach is to ensure that all the private companies in the State comply with the employees’ rights and comply with safety regulations to do their business in a very friendly and peaceful environment.

Responding during the visit, management teams of the companies visited appreciated the State Government for establishing the Oyo State Industrial Crisis Management Team, saying the team will play significant roles in preventing employer worker’s crisis in the private companies in the State.

They commended the State Government, particularly under Governor Seyi Makinde, for fostering a business-friendly environment for businesses that thrive in the State .

Also, the visiting team inspected the factories and other facilities to assess and inspect critical infrastructure such as toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems including extinguishers and fire trucks, and first aid facilities.

The production companies visited include NOURDM Global Company Ltd., UGEE Chemical Ltd., and Polyfilm Packaging, all in Ibadan.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has dispelled rumours regarding the closure of the Bola Ige International Business Complex, Gbagi, Ibadan on Monday, saying the rumour is unfounded.

This was contained in a statement issued and made available to the media on Sunday in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi.

The Oyo State Government has commenced a statewide sensitisation and advocacy campaign aimed at improving workplace safety, protecting workers’ welfare, and preventing industrial crises in the state.

Speaking during the flag-off campaign in Ibadan on Thursday, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, said the exercise was a proactive step to engage industries, educate stakeholders, and build a culture of safety and mutual respect in the workplace.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we should not wait for crisis before engaging our industries. They play a vital role in the growth of Oyo State’s economy, and this initiative will allow us to interact with them directly, verify data, understand their challenges, and work together to find solutions. It will also help boost the state’s revenue,” the Commissioner stated.

He explained that the sensitization exercise follows the inauguration of the Industrial Crisis Management Team, which will coordinate industrial safety interventions across the state.

He added that the government is also working on establishing a Quality Control Department in the Ministry that will serve as a link between government and industries, ensuring that products made in Oyo State meet acceptable standards locally and nationally.

The Commissioner noted that the campaign will involve monthly visits to production companies and industrial hubs.

The second week of August has been set aside for Ibadan-based industries, while the third week will focus on Oyo town as the first pilot location outside the state capital.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, said the visit to industries such as Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited and Nisalee Industries Limited, were to interact with management and union representatives, ensure workers’ welfare, and verify that health facilities and safety standards are in place.

He stated that the essence of the outreach is to prevent disputes, protect employees’ rights, and ensure compliance with safety regulations as directed by the Federal Government.

“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, is committed to making workers’ welfare in the private sector as good as those in the public sector. We have observed high compliance levels, but it is important to sustain these standards,” he said.

As part of the ongoing exercise, the sensitization team toured the factories and other facilities to assess and inspect critical infrastructure such as toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems including extinguishers and fire trucks, as well as first aid facilities.

The Ministry noted that this same inspection and engagement process was carried out in all the previous factories visited during the campaign, including Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, and Zartech Limited.

The exercise, according to the Ministry, will continue across other industries and companies in Oyo State.

The sensitization exercise is being carried out by the Industrial Crisis Management Unit, which was established following a resolution by the Oyo State House of Assembly in November 2024.

The Unit was one of the key recommendations of the Joint Committee on Employment, Labour, Productivity, Pensions, Health, Nutrition and Food Security after investigating the July 22, 2024 incident at the “YALE 3” branch of Sumal Foods Limited, Oluyole Industrial Estate, Ibadan.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has called on the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) to take full advantage of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to expand their products and reach new markets.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, gave this charge while receiving the new leadership of NASSI during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Ibadan.

Mr. Okesade noted that AfCFTA presents vast prospects for industrialists to grow their businesses beyond local borders and urged the association to prepare well-structured proposals—clearly stating their needs and expectations—that could guide government interventions. He stressed that small-scale industrialists are crucial to the State’s economic growth and that their role is “much needed at this time” in driving production, job creation, and innovation.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry remains committed to creating an enabling environment and fostering collaborations that will strengthen the capacity of small-scale industries in the State.

Earlier, the delegation from NASSI, established in 1978 and registered under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Act, introduced its newly inaugurated executive members and expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its parental role in supporting the sector. The association also called for increased collaboration with the Ministry to further enhance the growth of small-scale enterprises across Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its unwavering support for the growth and sustainability of cooperative societies as key players in economic development and grassroots empowerment.

This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited. The event was held on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, at the historic Obisesan Hall, Ibadan.

The AGM served as a platform for the presentation of the association’s annual report and financial accounts, as well as the formal recognition of the outgoing President, Chief Felix Ajibode, for his distinguished service and contributions to the cooperative movement.

In his address, Hon. Adebisi commended the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate for its positive contributions to economic development within Oyo State and the entire Southwest region. He urged the newly inaugurated management board to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and strengthened cooperation with government institutions in order to further advance the sector.

“The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde will continue to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive, as they remain crucial to the government’s economic agenda and poverty alleviation strategies,” the Commissioner stated.

The event witnessed the presence of top cooperative stakeholders and dignitaries from across Southwest Nigeria. These included the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives; Directors of Cooperative Services from Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo States; President of the International Cooperative Alliance (Africa) and 2nd Vice President of the International Cooperative Alliance (Worldwide), High Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola; as well as traditional rulers such as the Arayin of Irayin, Oba Ladimeji Lasisi, among several others from the cooperative movement

..says upgrade is transparent, collaborative

The Oyo State Government has debunked allegations that it has replaced the car park at Bola Ige international business complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market with new shops and extorted money from unsuspecting traders, overnight.

This misleading report was published by a certain online blog and subsequently circulated on social media.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon Adeniyi Adebisi, said the claim is entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation of an ongoing, well-planned redevelopment project.

He said the Gbagi market redevelopment effort is being spearheaded in phases by the Oyo State Government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, in close partnership with the market leadership and representatives of zonal traders’ associations.

Mr. Adebisi said the portion of land being referred to was not an official car park but an underutilized area, prone to illegal vending and security risks.

The Commissioner said following broad consultation with stakeholders, it was approved for formal stall development to promote orderliness and improve access and safety within the market environment.

“Furthermore, No part of the main designated car park has been taken over or eliminated. The new shops are not situated in the core vehicle parking zone, he said.

“Allocations were not made secretly or overnight, but through a transparent and documented process, coordinated by the leadership of the traders and relevant Government departments.

“Standardized shop allocation fees were communicated in advance to interested traders with options to opt in or out—there is no evidence of “coerced” payments as wrongly alleged.

He reiterated that no trader will be unjustly displaced, and the project will be executed in line with the master plan agreed upon with all key market stakeholders.

Adebisi urged members of the public, particularly media outlets, to verify facts before spreading reports capable of inciting public unrest or misleading residents.

He also encouraged Market leaders and traders to channel concerns or inquiries to the Market Support Desk at the Ministry or reach out directly to the designated liaison officers.

According to him, “the general public, particularly our esteemed market stakeholders, are urged to disregard this fabrication, which is clearly being sponsored by opposition elements and detractors determined to politicize every laudable initiative of the present administration.”

Furthermore, the Chairman of the Zonal caretaker Leaders’ Bola Ige international business complex, Gbagi Ibadan, Alhaji Adetonan Morufu who featured on a radio station programme in Ibadan on Wednesday, firmly debunked the allegations and clarified the facts behind the redevelopment effort.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

Oyo State Government has announced its readiness to enforce ban of Sunday Trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi stated this on Thursday, in his Office at Secretariat Ibadan.

The Commissioner explained that the ban will  curb rising insecurity and restore order at the market, adding that the enforcement will take effect from Sunday, 27th July 2025.

He hinted that the enforcement is a culmination of a series of consultations and meetings held with market leaders and stakeholders over time.

Hon. Adebisi explained that criminal elements were increasingly exploiting the less crowded Sunday environment to perpetrate unlawful activities, saying this prompted renewed engagements with the market leadership, after the Government decided to formalize the ban and put enforcement measures in place.

According to him, the ban on Sunday trading was originally instituted by the market leadership themselves, in a bid to maintain order and protect traders.

“However, some traders have continued to flout the directive, leading to a rise in insecurity concerns.”

“We cannot fold our arms and allow the hard-earned reputation of this great market to be tarnished by the activities of a few criminally-minded individuals. After a careful review and collaboration with the market leaders, we all agreed that strict enforcement of the Sunday trading ban is a necessary step towards restoring sanity and safeguarding the lives and property of our traders and customers,” he said.

To ensure compliance, the Commissioner announced that a dedicated task force will be deployed to the market every Sunday to prevent any form of trading or business activity.

He stressed that the enforcement is not a new directive but a Government-backed measure to support the market’s existing policy and protect law-abiding traders.

The Commissioner stressed further that Market leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the Government’s support and pledged their continued cooperation.

He emphasized that the safety of traders, customers, and their businesses remains paramount to this Government.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility between the Government and the trading community.

He assured stakeholders of the Government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order within the market.

“The Bola Ige International Business Complex is one of the largest and busiest textile and general merchandise markets in the Southwest region”, he said.

“Traders and members of the public are urged to take note of the Government’s enforcement action and ensure full compliance, as violators will be sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The meeting engaged major stakeholders on export growth in Oyo State.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, made this known today during the stakeholders’ engagement held at the ministry’s conference room in Ibadan.

Hon. Adebisi emphasized that the meeting was a strategic move by the State to deepen collaboration with regulatory agencies, agro-allied entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and exporters to boost Oyo’s presence in international markets.

He noted that Oyo State is determined to harness its comparative advantage in cashew, cocoa, shea butter, cassava, and other agro-allied products to unlock wealth, create jobs, and increase internally generated revenue.

The Commissioner said that Oyo State is the first subnational in Africa to develop African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy, attracting a visit from the AfCFTA Secretary General.

Leveraging its location and trade infrastructure, the state aims to boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and align with continental trade protocols.

Key initiatives include AfDB recognition as an agro-processing zone and regional cooperation with Southwest states.

Oyo sets a model for subnational leadership in Africa’s economic integration.

The Commissioner explained ongoing State interventions in regulatory reforms and export facilitation.

These include engaging agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), establishing a Trade Grievance Resolution Office, and supporting executive bills to ease export processes.

He urged stakeholders to bring forward export-related legislative suggestions through the Ministry, saying, “If you have a legislation that works for you, come to us. It is better and faster to go as an executive bill than for you to do it individually. Why waste time and resources?”
He also cited the example of branding Ogbomoso cashew for global visibility, stating: “If it requires that we produce bags and write ‘Ogbomoso’ on them, we will move cashew successfully for exportation.”

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade stressed the Ministry’s vision to transition from a local trade mindset to a structured, export-driven economy.

The President, Oyo State Shippers Association and CEO of Oklan Best Nigeria Ltd., Mrs. Elizabeth Olanrewaju Nwanko shared insights from her experience exporting beans, yam, egusi, and fish to Europe and North America.

She identified barriers such as high tariffs, lack of proper product certification, and the tendency of exporters to route goods through Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic due to their friendlier trade policies.

She advocated for land allocation in Ogbomoso, Shaki, and Tede for cashew and shea plantations, use of GPS for farm monitoring, and enforcement of tree-felling laws. “There’s global demand for 500,000 metric tons of shea butter—Oyo can tap into this if we act strategically,” she emphasized.

The representative of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Prince Aderemi Adejobi, revealed that NAHCO has established export processing centers in Lagos and plans to replicate them in other cities.

These centers aim to help farmers meet international standards, reduce spoilage through cold-chain infrastructure, and eliminate export rejection risks.

He stressed that these hubs will be vital in aggregating farm produce for efficient and compliant export operations.

Assistant Director and Oyo State Trade Promotion Advisor at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, outlined various incentives and programs available for Oyo exporters, including the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), Export Development Fund (EDF), and training workshops.

She clarified that NEPC provides free advisory support, though obtaining an export certificate involves a fee ranging from ₦7,500 to ₦13,500 depending on the renewal timeline.

The representative of Parallex Bank, Mr. Adepoju Mojeed, disclosed that the bank recently received a $10 million facility from Afreximbank to support SMEs, particularly in agriculture and export trade.
He encouraged farmers and agro-processors to access credit through cooperatives, pay mandatory export fees (NESS), and leverage opportunities for collateral-free loans and capacity-building programs.

The engagement marked a significant step toward positioning Oyo State as a formidable player in Nigeria’s export sector. Stakeholders agreed to maintain close collaboration with the State Government and to fully leverage platforms such as the “Omituntun Export Initiative” for sustainable growth and inclusive economic development.