The Oyo State Government has inaugurated the Babaloja General-in-Council, as part of efforts to strengthen market leadership, promote unity, and enhance coordination among traders across the State.

The inauguration, carried out through the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, took place at the office of the Honourable Commissioner on Monday, and drew market leaders from the seven geopolitical zones of the State- Ibadan Zones 1 and 2, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Oyo, and Oke-Ogun Zones 1 and 2.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi, said the constitution of the Council followed a formal request by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, for a unified structure for market leadership across the State.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry directed the Babaloja General to embark on sensitisation programmes across all geopolitical zones, noting that the exercise received widespread acceptance and support from traders.

Honourable Adebisi explained that the Council would serve as a central voice for traders, strengthen communication between government and market stakeholders, and promote peace and orderliness in markets across the State.

Declaring the Council inaugurated on behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner described the Governor as a pacesetter committed to inclusive governance and sustainable economic development.

He warned that the Government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peaceful coexistence among traders, stressing that the inauguration marked a significant step towards resolving longstanding crises within market associations in the State.

In his remarks, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, commended the State Government and the Ministry for facilitating what he described as a historic initiative aimed at unifying traders across all zones of the State.

He assured that the Council would work towards strengthening market structures, resolving disputes amicably, and supporting policies that would drive economic growth and development in Oyo State.

Following the inauguration, traders and members of the Council paid an appreciation visit to the Ministry, where they were received by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that Government engagement with market associations is guided by due process, structured policies, and proper coordination to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for traders to thrive through collaboration and open governance.

The visit was marked by jubilation as traders thronged the Ministry with drumming, singing, and dancing in appreciation of the Government’s efforts towards promoting unity and stability among market associations across the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has commenced a renewed and strategic statewide data collection and collation exercise for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across all the 33 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State to strengthen economic planning and expand access to Government and international support initiatives.

The initiative was formally flagged off on Wednesday at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Flagging off the programme, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi, stated that the engagement was designed as a “train-the-trainer” session to equip selected participants as aggregators for the Statewide MSMEs data capture exercise.

The Commissioner who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, explained that the aggregators would be responsible for coordinating data collection efforts within their respective Local Government Areas by working with ten trained agents each, thereby ensuring widespread and efficient coverage across the State.

He noted that a similar exercise conducted in 2024 provided valuable insights but also revealed the need for improved accuracy and validation of data collected.

According to him, “This initiative is aimed at improving the quality and reliability of MSMEs data in Oyo State. We observed gaps in the previous exercise, particularly inconsistencies in critical identification details such as Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN). This training is therefore essential to ensure that all data collected going forward is accurate, verifiable, and fit for planning and intervention purposes.”

He charged participants to approach the assignment with diligence, professionalism, and a high level of technical accuracy to avoid discrepancies that could hinder beneficiaries from accessing Government and development partner interventions.

In his presentation, the Consultant to the Oyo State Government and Chief Executive Officer of Global Sight Services Limited, Mr. Dayo Bello, described the exercise as a critical step toward building a credible and comprehensive MSMEs database for the State.

He emphasized that the data collection covers a broad spectrum of MSMEs, including traders, artisans, farmers, and small-scale industrialists, noting that accurate data remains a key requirement for accessing funding and support from government, federal agencies, and international development partners.

Mr. Bello explained that the decision to undertake a fresh round of data collection was informed by the need to address inaccuracies observed in the 2024 dataset, which limited its effectiveness for programme implementation.

He further assured participants of a seamless and technology-driven process, noting that data captured in any part of the State would be transmitted in real time to a centralized database.

Mr. Bello also reiterated that the exercise would provide equitable opportunities for all MSMEs, including those who may have participated in the previous exercise, to be recaptured under the improved system.

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.

OYO STATE 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 trade@oyostate.gov.ng  or in person at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and industry or via our functional telephone line (hotline:- 09111694405, 09111694406 & 0911694407) or download the Grievance Redress Form via the link: https://trade.oyostate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OYO-STATE-INTERSTATE-TRADE-GRIEVANCE-REDRESS-MECHANISM-COMPLAINT-FORM.pdf

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.

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.

Direction to the Process of GRM

The Oyo State Government said it has accommodated former occupants into the redeveloped Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan.

Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi made this known while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Monday.

He said that the project has been completed, and former occupants have been accommodated in the Government’s share of the project as promised.

He said that the Oyo State Government has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of traders by ensuring that they are not displaced during the redevelopment process.

According to him, “The Ministry enumerated the present occupants of the project site to accommodate qualified ones among them upon completion of the second phase.”

He added that the Ministry had series of engagements with all stakeholders, including market elders, market executives, zonal leaders and the developers handling the second phase of the international market to benefit everyone and as well be on the same page.

“However, it is essential to note that no single trader has come forward to the complain about the project or the developer. This suggests that the majority of traders are satisfied with the Government’s initiatives and are eager to benefit from the redevelopment” he said.

The Commissioner reiterated that the Oyo State Government has a proven track record of supporting traders and business owners, which include the provision of infrastructure, access to finance, and training programmes.

He added that these efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and development of businesses in the State while traders are not left behind in the development process, urging those who are yet to benefit from the Government’s initiatives to come forward and engage with the Ministry.

Hon. Adebisi underscored the State Government’s dedication to economic development and traders empowerment through the redevelopment of the Bola Ige International Business Complex.

He stressed that these initiatives have been positively received by most traders, while also acknowledging and appreciating Government’s efforts.

E-signed:

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

Plans have been put in motion to begin the immediate recovery of rent owed the Oyo State Government by owners of market stalls in the State.

The move, according to the Ministry of Trades, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, will boost revenue generation which is critical for the provision of infrastructure, as well as delivery of quality services to the residents of the territory.

The Commissioner for Trades, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi said this is part of the Government’s moves aimed at boosting revenue and promoting accountability.

This decision was reached during a meeting with market representatives at the ministry’s conference hall today.

Adebisi stated that defaulting marketers were initially given a three-week notice, which ends on Monday, September 9th, 2024 to pay their overdue stall fees into the Government’s account

The Honourable Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde to improve the lives of marketers, citing his administration’s initiatives such as:

• Infrastructure upgrades and modernization of market facilities
• Provision of security and sanitation services
• Introduction of a digital payment system for rent collection
• Creation of a market development fund to support traders
• Regularization of market allocation and stall ownership

The Honourable Commissioner emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that defaulters may face penalties or eviction.

Market representatives were urged to prioritize rent payments to avoid any disruptions to their businesses.

Honourable Adebisi stated, “We are grateful for the Governor’s commitment to enhancing the market environment and promoting economic growth. Our enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring that market stall holders contribute to the State’s revenue, which will be used to further develop our markets and benefit the traders.”

Mr. Olasiji Olaosebikan and Alhaja Oluremi Animashaun from Ogbomosho and Podo ultra – modern markets respectively, appreciated the Government’s support and pledged to synergize with the State Government to ensure the success of the initiative.

They acknowledged the need for a structured rent collection system and expressed willingness to cooperate with the Government.

Markets affected by this enforcement drive include: Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan; Temidire Ultra-Modern Business Complex, New Ife Road, Ibadan; Ultra-Modern Business Complex, Ogbomosho; Scout camp Neighborhood Business Complex, Challenge, Ibadan; Podo ultra-modern Business Complex, New Garage, Ibadan;  Adamasingba Business Complex and Oke-Bola Business Complex, Ibadan.