How we are leveraging AfCFTA to expand our agricultural exports — Makinde

…Says Fasola Agribusiness Hub designated Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has highlighted how the state is leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand its agricultural exports, positioning Oyo as a key player in agribusiness development.

Speaking on Tuesday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Headquarters in Ibadan during a welcome address at the Presidential Visit Programme for the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, Governor Makinde underscored the state’s commitment to agricultural modernisation. Themed “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy,” the event focused on enhancing agricultural innovation and international cooperation.

The governor explained that since assuming office in 2019, his administration had prioritised agriculture as a fundamental pillar for Oyo State’s economic transformation.

He recalled that the state had launched “The Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State (2019-2023)” and subsequently introduced “The Roadmap for Sustainable Development of Oyo State (2023-2027).”

He also pledged to develop a long-term strategic document titled “The Roadmap for Continuous Development of Oyo State (2027 and beyond)” to guide future administrations.

Governor Makinde highlighted key steps taken by his administration, including the enactment of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) law in 2020. He described OYSADA as a special purpose vehicle facilitating partnerships between the state, private sector investors, and development organisations. He encouraged Sierra Leone to adopt a similar model to strengthen its agricultural sector.

The governor also spoke about Oyo State’s progress in developing its first agribusiness industrial hub, which serves as Nigeria’s first Agricultural Processing Zone (APZ). He noted that a second APZ had already been launched in Eruwa, while another was being developed in Ijaye through collaboration with the French Government.

He further stressed that the state had been proactive in leveraging AfCFTA to expand agricultural exports, fostering partnerships at both national and sub-national levels.

He highlighted the importance of agricultural skills development, referencing the state’s collaboration with IITA on the “Start Them Early Programme.” This initiative, which began as a pilot in a single school, has now been expanded to all senatorial districts in Oyo State.

Governor Makinde reiterated that his administration prioritises action over rhetoric, stating, “Your Excellency, we don’t just talk, we walk the talk, and we will continue to do whatever we say we are going to do.”

He also pointed out Oyo State’s natural advantages in agriculture, including its strategic location, favourable climate, and strong academic institutions such as the University of Ibadan, which has one of Africa’s oldest and most respected agriculture faculties.

He noted that the state’s positioning between the forest and savannah ecosystems made it an ideal research hub for agricultural innovation.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that agriculture plays an even greater role in the economic sustainability of Oyo State. He emphasised the importance of road infrastructure, improved security, and investor-friendly policies in maintaining the state’s edge in agricultural development.

Earlier in the event, IITA Director-General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, described the presidential visit as a testament to the commitment to agriculture and food security in Nigeria.

He emphasised that scientific research alone could not transform agriculture and called for increased collaboration between governments and research institutions.

The Minister for Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Marcus Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to agricultural transformation.

In his keynote address, President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, stressed the need for research, innovation, and technology to drive Africa’s agricultural revolution. He called for stronger partnerships to achieve food sufficiency, economic growth, and sustainable development for farmers and agribusinesses.

Dr Bio also assured that the Sierra Leonean and Nigerian governments would collaborate closely to address food production challenges and strengthen agricultural ties between both nations.