Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that the state is currently ranked third in Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, attributing the achievement to deliberate policies and sustained investments in economic infrastructure.
Oyo State ranking on Ease of Doing Business In Nigeria
He urged stakeholders to take deliberate steps to sustain and leverage the achievement, noting that prosperity comes only when available opportunities are effectively harnessed.
The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, held at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Ibadan.
The 2026 Trade Fair was themed “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities.”
It was jointly organised by the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA).
Governor Makinde was represented by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu.
He emphasised the need for stronger synergy between the government and Chambers of Commerce to ensure effective policy implementation and drive sustainable economic growth.
The governor noted that the state’s seven geopolitical zones are interconnected, creating opportunities for economic activities and expansion.
He further stated that Oyo State remained the only sub-national government in Nigeria registered as a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He described the recognition as a move that positioned the state to better harness continental trade opportunities.
Speaking on the theme of the trade fair, the governor said the world has become a global village, making closer collaboration among OYCCIMA, the West African Chamber, the Pan-African Chamber, and the World Chamber of Commerce imperative.
He stressed that OYCCIMA and the Oyo State Government were mutually-dependent and must work together to create value, generate employment, and support entrepreneurs.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, who represented the commissioner, restated the state government’s commitment to driving economic growth.
This, he said, would be made possible through collaboration, value addition, and the promotion of locally made products, particularly in the agricultural sector.
National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Jani Ibrahim, 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.
The NACCIMA National President, represented by Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, said the theme of the trade fair was timely.
Dr Ibrahim noted that the them aligned with the objectives of the AfCFTA, which provides access to a market of about 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion.
He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to advocating policies that improve the business environment, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that it would also continue to seek to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
Earlier, in his welcome address, President of OYCCIMA, Mr. 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 Governor Makinde for providing an enabling environment that has allowed local industries and investors to thrive, expand their operations, and contribute significantly 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, President of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (IBCCIMA), Chief Emmanuel Ogunnaike, and the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abass, urged the government to protect the interests of farmers and adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property.
The event was attended by exhibitors, traders, market leaders, top government officials, and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
