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.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to revitalizing the cooperative movement as a key pillar of sustainable economic growth and community development. This was declared at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting of the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited (OCCL), held recently in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi, the Permanent Secretary Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, who welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Commissioner expressed readiness of the Oyo State Government to collaborate with other South-West states through cooperative structures.

“Oyo State is proud to host this pivotal meeting. His Excellency, Governor Makinde, will be glad to align with a development-focused agenda that uplifts our people and communities through the cooperative system,” he stated, emphasizing the state’s openness to innovation, partnerships, and regional unity through cooperative empowerment.

The President of OCCL, Elder Felix Ajibade, laid out the purpose of the meeting, highlighting the critical need to secure international funding and partnerships for cooperative growth in the South-West. He referenced the outcomes of the recent World Meets in Giessen Conference held in Freiberg, Germany, where global experts, including Nigerian representatives, deliberated on new economic opportunities for grassroots organizations.

Ajibade lamented the long-standing neglect of cooperative societies since the military era and stressed the need for a revival rooted in legacy and innovation. “In the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, cooperatives were pivotal in promoting agricultural development, job creation, and community banking. Sadly, those support structures have been eroded over the years,” he said. “This gathering is a wake-up call to reclaim that legacy and reposition our cooperatives to access global resources.”

Representing Osun State was Chief Bayo Ogungbangbe, Commissioner for Cooperative and Empowerment, shared that the Osun State Government under Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke had recently released dedicated funds to strengthen cooperative societies, urging other states to follow suit.

“Cooperative structures offer a time-tested path to economic inclusion and resilience,” Ogungbangbe affirmed. “With joint effort and state backing, we can once again make cooperatives a powerful engine of prosperity for our people.”

Also lending support was Mr. Samuel Mustapha, Director of Cooperative Services in Ogun State, who represented the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative, Mr. Ademola Balogun. Mustapha recalled the robust legacy of cooperatives in the former Western Region and encouraged states to collectively pursue international funding opportunities.

“Cooperatives were once the lifeblood of our rural and semi-urban economies. It is time to revive and strengthen that legacy with bold, forward-thinking policies and actions,” he said.

The Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited (OCCL) is a regional body that unites cooperative movements across the six South-Western states—Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos. OCCL’s mission is to promote financial inclusion, empower local communities, and rebuild the cooperative model that once anchored the region’s economic success in the era of Western Nigeria.

At the center of this renewed push is the desire to leverage global partnerships and development finance mechanisms. The World Meets in Giessen conference, hosted by IHK Global, brought together over 150 entrepreneurs and experts from Germany, Nigeria, China, Brazil, India, and other nations to explore international cooperation.

The meeting in Ibadan concluded with a firm resolution to engage donor agencies, development finance institutions, and relevant government bodies—both nationally and internationally—to secure funding and technical assistance for cooperative rejuvenation in the South-West.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that with the full support of forward-thinking governments like Oyo’s, the cooperative movement will regain its historic role as a catalyst for inclusive, community-driven economic transformation.

The Oyo State Government has officially issued land allocation letters to cashew merchants based at the Ultra-Modern Business Complex in Ogbomoso.

During the presentation held at his office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, emphasized that this event marks the resolution of a prolonged land regularization process between the merchants and the Government.

Adebisi described the issuance of land allocation as a major advancement for economic growth, underscoring the importance of peace and dialogue in addressing disputes and fostering development.

“For the Government, economic expansion is paramount. A thriving economy can only flourish in a peaceful environment,” he stated.

He elaborated that following multiple discussions with the merchants, the Government has approved a reduced rate of ₦250 per square metre, down from the original ₦500, and provided a two-year moratorium, with payments scheduled to commence in May 2025 and continue until April 2035.

The commissioner assured the merchants that the allocation process is transparent and devoid of intermediaries, commending them for their patience throughout the negotiations.

In their response, Cashew merchants, Mr. Jide Akalaifa, and Mr. Jubril Arulogun, who spoke on behalf of others, expressed their gratitude for the Government’s intervention and transparency.

They thanked the Ministry for addressing their concerns and offering favourable terms, noting that the Government’s efforts reinforce its commitment to fostering inclusive economic development.

The duo hinted that the allocation will provide structured opportunities for local businesses to flourish and contribute to the State’s internally generated revenue.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.