The Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, is set to collaborate with the Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited to tackle challenges faced in locally produced foods in the State.

The collaboration is also expected to encourage efforts to unlock the food value chain for effective transformation.

The Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Adeniyi Adebisi, made this known today during a visit to Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, Ilesa, Osun State.

He said the Government will address some issues on irregularities in the exportation of food, and other important issues.

Adebisi said the visit is aimed at evaluating the factory’s operations, exploring exportation opportunities, and assessing the cooperative’s registration status, scope of operation, and product quality.

According to Honourable Adebisi, “The Oyo State Government is committed to promoting agricultural development, food processing, and economic growth in the region. We believe that the Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited has the potential to play a significant role in achieving this goal.”

He emphasized the need for the cooperative to synergize with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council to promote locally produced foods for international consumption.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, noted  the need for quality assurance and export destination standard to ease the concept of opening up the local product for exportation.

He encouraged the cooperative to focus on improving product quality, meeting international standards, and obtaining necessary certifications.

The Acting General Manager of the cooperative, Mr. Kayode Oloruntobi, expressed the cooperative’s willingness to collaborate with the Oyo State Government to boost exportation of locally produced foods.

He highlighted the cooperative’s plans to expand its operations, including the establishment of a new factory at Ilaro.

The Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited is a regional cooperative society formed by the six southwestern states of Nigeria, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos, with the aim of promoting agricultural development, food processing, and economic growth in the region.

The cooperative has undergone significant transformations over the years, including modernizing equipment, improving management practices, and diversifying products.

The visit by the Honourable Commissioner and his team demonstrates the Oyo State Government’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of local industries, with a focus on exportation and economic growth.

The Oyo State Government has pledged it’s support for the Oyo State Chambers Of Commerce, Industry, Mines And Agriculture (OYCCIMA)  on the upcoming proposed trade fair and  the Nigerian Association Of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) on  their request  for support to establish an industrial park with solar energy.

Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives made this commitment  during a courtesy visit by both association to his Office.

The Commissioner acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the Government and private sector in driving economic growth and development, he assured both associations of his ministry’s support and looked forward to working closely with them to achieve their shared goals.

He highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and security in creating a conductive environment for investments to thrive in the State.  The commissioner noted that the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi makinde, has made significant investments in infrastructure development and security, including the recruitment of additional Amotekun security officers.

The OYCCIMA delegation, led by Dr. Daniel Ggadero, president of OYCCIMA, sought the commissioner’s support and collaboration for the prospective Trade Fair aimed at  promoting businesses and industries in Oyo State. Similarly, the NASSI association, led by Mr. Ogunjide Abraham, NASSI Acting Chairman solicit for help from the State Government to establish an enterprise Zone, which would provide a hub for Industrialists and access to solar energy for constant power supply.

The visit was seen as a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the Government and private sector in Oyo State, and is expected to yield positive outcomes for the State’s economic development.

OYO STATE TRADE GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

For ensuring timely and effective resolution of grievances and maintain the trust and confidence in Government institutions, Oyo State Government has deemed it fit to establish a redress mechanism towards trade and other related activities in the State.

In pursuit to the above stride, a Grievance Redress Mechanism was established by the State Government to enables citizens raise grievances with the relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and seek redress when they perceive a negative impact arising from any government establishment or its services. It is a way to mitigate, manage, and resolve potential or realized negative impacts that may arise from grievance bear by citizens.

The GRM addresses complaints by truckers/transporters and traders for inter-state movement of goods. The State Government has established a framework for redressing trade grievances to promote fair and equitable trade relations, both local and international.

SUBMISSION OF TRADE GRIEVANCES

Any Business, Industry, or Individual (traders, truckers/transporters) may submit a trade grievance to the Trade Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee, relating to an act/omission in respect of collection and payment of the trade-related fees and levies on inter-state movement of goods e.t.c. The grievances may be filed electronically, by mail via oyostateirs@gmail.comor in person at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and industry or via our functional telephone line (helplines-09034423126, 07012990552) or download the Grievance Redress Form

The verbal or written complaints shall detail the complainant’s name and contact, date of complaints, type of complaint, the description/nature of the grievance, relevant supporting evidence, and the desired resolution. OYO STATE TRADE GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

RESOLUTION OF TRADE GRIEVANCES

The Trade Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee shall receive, investigate, and resolve trade grievances filed by citizens, businesses or individual on the following concerning; harassments, unauthorized payment of fees and other in-kind requests.

All complaints shall be resolved within Fourteen (14) working days from the date of receipt of such complaints/grievances and recommend appropriate actions or remedies to resolve disputes following applicable laws.

The aggrieved person(s) when dissatisfied with the TGRM Committee’s decision may file an appeal to the Grievance Redress Appeal Committee at the State Level, which shall hold a hearing and issue a final decision.

The whole process shall be concluded within fourteen (14) working days from the date of filing of appeal.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives shall ensure that the report of the activities and the status of trade grievance resolutions are published regularly on the State official website(s) online.