The Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde Wednesday affirmed that the State will continue to put necessary measures in place to ensure conducive business environment for investors in the state, he noted that a visit to Oyo state will leave them in no doubt, “that the state is ready for business”
Makinde made the statement through Mr. Tilewa Folami, Director General of the Oyo State Investment And Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA) who represented him at the International Business Conference and Expo tagged ” Invest Nigeria”. The event also marked the 135th anniversary of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Folami, while highlighting the benefits in investing in the State, remarked “In Oyo State our priority remains creating a conducive environment for investors and businesses, a visit to the Pacesetter state will leave you in no doubt that Oyo state is ready for your Investment.”
“let me walk you through the wealth of opportunities Oyo has to offer and why many of you have chosen the state as your preferred Investment destination. “
The OYSIPA DG listed Proximity of Ibadan to the Lagos sea port as an important consideration that makes Oyo state attractive for would be investors, He said “we are about a 100 kilometers away from the Lagos seaport or just a train ride away, since the inauguration of the standard rail gauge, your cargos from the Apapa seaport to the dry port in Oyo state will take just two hours after your goods arrives the country’.
Speaking further Mr. Folami said that the traffic situation in the State and the well organized Park Management system promotes ease of movement another reason why the State is an Investors delight. He also noted that investors need not worry about multiple taxation, as taxes in the state have been harmonised to eliminate multiple taxation.
He also noted that the the State is blessed with youthful and educated population aged between 16 and 64 years, stressing that this ensures ready and qualified labour force.
On security, Mr Folami said the State government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has invested a lot in security as seen through the creation of South West Security Network code named Amotekun, pointing out that this has made the State one of the safest places to do business in Nigeria.
He said the Oluyole free trade zone and the Pacesetter industrial park along the Lagos- Ibadan Express way offers investors unique opportunities such as zero taxes on exports and cargos through an upgraded Ibadan airport. He indicated further that there are opportunities in the agricultural, education, health, construction, mining and other lucrative sectors where investors can reap good returns on Investment.
Mr. Folami emphasized that processes have been put in place to ensure that starting a business or expanding business operations in the State is done with ease ” We have created a one stop shop from registration of business and properties, enforcing contracts, dealing with construction permits, which are key parameters of ease of doing business.”
Folami, assured investors that they are welcome to Oyo state as Governor Makinde is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a conducive and business friendly environment, where commerce will thrive unhindered.
Oyo State’s team was represented by OYSIPA and Ministry of Trade
