Oyo Seeks Stronger Partnership with Federal Ministry to Boost Industrial Growth, Trade and Job Creation

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as part of efforts to accelerate industrial development, expand trade opportunities and create more employment for the people of the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, stated this while receiving a delegation from the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, led by the Deputy Director of the department, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry’s Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Professor Adelabu said that effective coordination and collaboration between the Federal and State Governments remain the surest pathway to growing the nation’s economy and reducing unemployment.

He noted that the Federal Government’s emphasis on industrialisation, investment promotion, digital literacy and enterprise development aligns with Oyo State’s development agenda, stressing that the State must position itself to fully benefit from various federal policies, grants, intervention programmes and development initiatives.

The Commissioner observed that several agencies under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment provide opportunities capable of stimulating economic growth, attracting investments and supporting businesses, adding that Oyo State would continue to strengthen networking and partnerships to ensure that its citizens benefit from such programmes.

He further explained that reliable data, strategic collaboration and institutional synergy are essential to improving the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reducing unemployment and raising the standard of living of Nigerians.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, recalled the existing relationship between the Oyo State Ministry and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, particularly in promoting trade and export development.

He explained that export promotion requires strict adherence to standards, including weights and measures, noting that although the regulation of weights and measures is an exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government, there is a need for stronger collaboration to expand its impact within the State.

Mr. Okesade proposed the development of a technical framework that would institutionalise cooperation between both ministries, facilitate regular information sharing and strengthen policy implementation. He also advocated the establishment of a communication platform involving principal officers from both sides to enhance coordination and ensure prompt dissemination of relevant information and opportunities.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Director, Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engineer Ibiyemi Victor said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal and Oyo State Governments in the implementation of policies and programmes that promote industrialisation, trade facilitation, investment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development.

According to him, the Federal Ministry is committed to promoting economic growth, wealth creation and employment generation by transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive industrial and commercial hub through strategic policy formulation, investment promotion and trade expansion.

He explained that many federal initiatives, including grants, intervention programmes and trade facilitation schemes, can only achieve maximum impact through active collaboration with State Governments, urging Oyo State to deepen its engagement with the Federal Ministry to enable residents and businesses benefit from available opportunities.

Engineer Ibiyemi Victor further assured the Ministry of the department’s readiness to facilitate closer engagement with the Federal Ministry’s leadership and other relevant agencies, including providing necessary support in areas relating to weights and measures, investment promotion and industrial development.

He also encouraged the State Government to explore opportunities available through Free Trade Zones and other federal initiatives aimed at enhancing industrial capacity, attracting investments and promoting sustainable economic development.