Oyo ranks third in ease of doing business in Nigeria, says Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the state ranks third in Nigeria’s ease of doing business, attributing the achievement to deliberate policies and sustained investment in economic infrastructure.

He urged stakeholders to take deliberate steps to sustain and build on the achievement, noting that prosperity could only be achieved when available opportunities were effectively harnessed.

Makinde made the disclosure on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, themed “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities”, held at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Ibadan.

“In Nigeria today, Oyo State is third in ease of doing business in Nigeria. We have done some things to give our state the economic and infrastructural development it deserves,” the governor said.

According to a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the fair was jointly organised by the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

Represented by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, Makinde emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government and chambers of commerce to ensure effective policy implementation and drive sustainable economic growth.

He noted that the state’s seven geopolitical zones were interconnected, creating opportunities for economic activities and expansion.

Oyo State remains the only sub-national government in Nigeria registered as a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, a move that positions the state to better harness continental trade opportunities,” Makinde said.

Speaking on the theme of the trade fair, the governor said the world had become a global village, making closer collaboration among OYCCIMA, the West African Chamber, the Pan-African Chamber and the World Chamber of Commerce imperative

OYCCIMA and the Oyo State Government are mutually dependent and must work together to create value, generate employment, and support entrepreneurs,” he added.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Okesade, who represented the commissioner, reiterated the state government’s commitment to driving economic growth through collaboration, value addition and the promotion of locally made products, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Jani Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, described the trade fair as a vital platform for promoting enterprise development, showcasing made-in-Nigeria products and services, and strengthening investment and trade cooperation.

According to him, the theme was timely and aligned with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which provides access to a market of about 1.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product of approximately $3.4tn.

He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to advocating policies that improve the business environment, support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector.

Earlier, the President of OYCCIMA, Niran Adewoyin, said the 2026 trade fair reflected a determination to move beyond conventional exhibitions towards economic integration, market expansion, innovation and sustainable prosperity.

He commended Makinde for providing an enabling environment for local industries and investors to thrive, expand their operations and contribute to the state’s economy. He also assured participants of the chamber’s continued commitment to serving as a bridge between the government and the business community.

In their goodwill messages, the President of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Emmanuel Ogunnaike, and the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass, urged the government to protect farmers’ interests and adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property.

The event was attended by exhibitors, traders, market leaders, senior government officials and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors.