Osun Targets Industrial Growth As Adeleke Engages Chinese Investors

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said the state is targeting industrial growth through strategic engagement with foreign investors as part of his administration’s public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Adeleke stated this while addressing a group of Chinese investors planning to establish factories around Ile-Ife, noting that the government has, since 2022, deliberately implemented policies to ease doing business and attract both local and foreign investors.

According to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said tax payments and administration had been harmonised to eliminate multiple taxation, reducing the burden on small businesses across the state.

He added that the state had digitised its tax system and introduced a one-stop shop for investors, while also upgrading the state investment agency to enhance service delivery.

Adeleke further said bureaucratic bottlenecks in securing business permits had been removed, with strict timelines now enforced across relevant ministries, including Commerce and Industry as well as Lands.

“Our free trade zones, neglected for more than twelve years, are back on stream. We encourage foreign investors to join others already securing spaces in the free trade zone. Several companies are already taking positions in the zone.

“We pioneered a 45-day window for the processing of certificates of occupancy, and huge successes have been recorded in this area. I have received calls from residents who have obtained their C-of-O within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the Chinese Prodigy Group of Companies, Mr Chi, said the firm plans to expand to Osun after operating in six other states. He added that the company, which produces doors, bolts, nuts and gums, is ready to commence construction of its factory once land issues are resolved.