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 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.

The Oyo State Government, through its Ministry for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry  has partnered with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to sensitize its members on the proper payment of haulage fees.

The Commissioner for  Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the MAN Secretariat in Jericho, Ibadan.

Adebisi explained that the  purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration with (MAN) and chart a path for sustainable industrial growth and structured revenue reforms in Oyo State.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to building a resilient industrial ecosystem through strategic partnerships, infrastructural development, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The Commissioner highlighted key infrastructural strides under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde  including improved road networks and ongoing upgrades at the Ibadan Airport- aimed at positioning the state as a leading investment hub in Nigeria.

He stated that the visit focused on promoting nano and small-scale industries and ensuring that value addition activities such as the production of Gari Oyo and turmeric are developed to a standard that makes them viable and export-worthy.

Mr. Adebisi maintained that the  ministry recognized that MAN is well positioned to identify those producers engaged in these activities, adding that the  Government also expressed its readiness to sponsor such initiatives.

He noted that Oyo State is already working with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and invites MAN to key into this collaboration.

He added that the present Government led by Governor Makinde, has made it mandatory to prioritize the welfare of factory workers.

The Commissioner emphasized the importance of a two-way partnership between Government and industry for shared development.

Speaking on taxation, he hinted that the Oyo State Government is  ready to engage manufacturers to ensure inclusive and fair policies.

He also sought for accurate data from manufacturers for direct communication with the right stakeholders, saying that a committee on Industrial Crisis Management has been established to address worker welfare in companies and industries.

Representing the MAN Chairman for Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, Dr. Samuel Olawoyin, Mr. Sebastine Shuiabu expressed appreciation for the State Government’s industrial vision while noting the need for balanced policies that support growth.

MAN’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Nanzing Rimdan, assured the State of the association’s commitment to collaborating with the Government to resolve infrastructure, financial, and regulatory challenges.

In another development, the ministry’s delegation also visited companies in the New Garage industrial axis.

This visit was aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on the haulage fee policy administered by the Ministry.

He explained that haulage fees on loading and offloading finished manufactured products, ranging between ₦400 and ₦6,500 depending on vehicle type, are mandatory for all goods transported in and out of Oyo State by articulated vehicles.

Though the policy has existed since the early 2000s, enforcement has been lax. The Government is now addressing this through engagement and awareness. The message to companies and traders was that the levy is not a burden but a legitimate fee that contributes to State development. Companies were advised to inform customers using their own vehicles of this requirement.

The Ministry has received clearance from relevant authorities to begin enforcement, following this sensitization phase.

The delegation included officials from the Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Consultant on industry haulage matters and other stakeholders.

This engagement represents a major step toward aligning private sector cooperation with Government policy for Oyo State’s economic progress.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.