Oyo State is positioning itself as a prime destination for agro-industrial investment, with Governor ‘Seyi Makinde reaffirming his administration’s commitment to leveraging modern technology to transform the sector. Speaking through his deputy, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, during a meeting with a delegation from the China Overseas Engineering Group Co. Limited on Monday, Makinde highlighted agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economic expansion strategy.
The governor’s remarks underscore a deliberate push to move beyond subsistence farming toward large-scale, technology-driven agribusiness—a shift that could redefine Oyo’s economic landscape. With the state already investing in critical enablers like infrastructure and security, Makinde’s call for partnership with the Chinese firm signals an intent to accelerate growth through foreign expertise, particularly in agro-processing, value chain enhancement, and food security.
Lawal, who stood in for the governor, framed the potential collaboration as a mutually beneficial exchange: Oyo offers vast arable land—comparable in size to five southeastern states—and a diverse climate ranging from rainforest to near-Sahel conditions, suitable for a variety of crops and livestock. In return, the state seeks advanced agricultural technologies that can transition its farming practices from primary production to industrial-scale operations. “Any race or country that ignores the production of food to feed its citizens is in peril,” Lawal noted, emphasizing the urgency of modernizing the sector.
The state’s readiness is further evidenced by its ongoing development of specialized Agribusiness Hubs, including the recently launched Ijaye Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, located just 30 kilometers from Ibadan. These hubs, designed to attract investors and streamline agro-processing, align with the Chinese delegation’s stated goals of introducing high-efficiency farming techniques, mechanization, and post-harvest processing solutions. According to Dr. Debo Akande, Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the state’s focus on rural transformation and industrial hubs has been a priority for nearly seven years, reflecting a long-term strategy to capitalize on its agricultural potential.
For the Chinese investors, the partnership presents an opportunity to tap into Nigeria’s vast agricultural market while contributing to Oyo’s socio-economic development. Ms. Dong Gwping, leader of the delegation, described the collaboration as a means to revolutionize the state’s agricultural value chain through technology transfer and expertise. Meanwhile, Alhaji Abubakar Yerima of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission praised Makinde’s infrastructure-driven approach, suggesting that such improvements are critical to attracting and sustaining foreign investment.
The implications of this potential partnership extend beyond immediate economic gains. If successful, the integration of Chinese agricultural technology could enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create thousands of jobs across the value chain—from farming to processing and export. For Oyo State, this could mean a significant boost in internally generated revenue, reduced dependence on food imports, and a stronger position in Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector.
Yet, the success of such collaborations often hinges on clear policy frameworks, ease of doing business, and the ability to align foreign expertise with local needs. Makinde’s assurance of a conducive environment for investors will be tested as the state navigates land allocation, regulatory processes, and the integration of new technologies with existing farming communities. The coming months will reveal whether this partnership can deliver on its promise to transform Oyo into a model for agro-industrial growth in Nigeria.