By John Dike, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the industrialisation of Osun State through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The governor made this known while addressing a delegation of Chinese investors planning to establish factories around Ile-Ife on Sunday evening.
Adeleke said his administration has deliberately prioritised ease of doing business since 2022 to attract both local and foreign investors into the state.
According to him, tax administration has been harmonised to eliminate multiple taxation, thereby reducing the burden on businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises.
“The state government has also digitised the tax payment system and deployed technology to create a one-stop shop for investors,” he said, adding that the state investment agency has been strengthened to improve response time and service delivery.
The governor further disclosed that bureaucratic bottlenecks in securing business permits have been significantly reduced across relevant ministries, including Commerce and Industry, and Lands.
“Our free trade zones, which were neglected for over twelve years, are now back on stream. Several companies are already taking positions, and we encourage more investors to take advantage of the opportunities available,” he stated.
Adeleke also reiterated his administration’s policy on land documentation, stressing that the 45-day processing window for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) must be strictly enforced.
“We pioneered the 45-day window for the processing of Certificates of Occupancy, and the results have been encouraging. I am directing that there must be no slowdown in its implementation,” he said.
He urged investors experiencing delays to escalate complaints to the Commissioners for Commerce and Lands, or directly to his office if necessary.
The governor commended traditional rulers, including the Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Adesuyi Haastrup, for their roles in attracting investment to the state, noting their continued support for economic development initiatives.
Earlier, leader of the Chinese Prodigy Group of Companies, Mr. Chi, said the firm is considering expanding its operations to Osun after establishing presence in six other states across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the group manufactures doors, bolts, nuts, and industrial materials, and expressed readiness to commence factory development once land acquisition issues are resolved.
“We are committed to setting up our factory here in Osun. We are also exploring opportunities within the Free Trade Zone and are impressed with the investment environment,” he said.
