Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking prosperity, creating jobs and boosting trade through the successful launch of the Oyo State African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Sub-National Implementation Strategy.
Governor Makinde stated that the initiative aligns with his government’s broader vision for sustainable development and economic expansion, noting that Oyo State’s participation in the AfCFTA would generate huge employment opportunities, empower entrepreneurs and significantly increase trade volumes.
During a post-engagement meeting on the implementation of the AfCFTA held at the Local Government Services Commission Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor said his administration was determined to build institutions and structures that would ensure the long-term prosperity of Oyo State.
“We want to be remembered not only for roads, infrastructure or airport improvements, but also for building strong institutions that ensure good governance and sustainable development long after our mandate,” Makinde declared.
The governor explained that Oyo State’s strong infrastructure base and growing population gave the government the confidence to take advantage of the AfCFTA opportunity, adding that knowledge and productivity, when combined with natural resources, were essential ingredients for prosperity.
Makinde further revealed that his administration had saved about six million US dollars in a Sovereign Fund created to secure the economic future of the state.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects such as the upgrading of Ibadan Airport to international standards and the implementation of key economic policies, the governor noted that Oyo State’s vision for sustainable growth was steadily becoming a reality.
He commended the AfCFTA Technical Working Group, led by his Special Adviser on the AfCFTA and International Trade, Ms Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, for their dedication and professionalism, assuring them that their efforts will not go unrewarded.
“We have rebuilt roads across the state, employed thousands of teachers and health workers and improved facilities in schools and hospitals. But our greatest legacy will be the institutions we are establishing to sustain progress beyond this administration,” Makinde added.
The governor also underscored Oyo State’s determination to make the most of its inclusion in the AfCFTA, noting that the state would not wait for the federal government to push for implementation.
“We have seen how Nigeria missed opportunities like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). With the AfCFTA, sub-nationals can chart their own course. Oyo State has seized that opportunity to take its destiny into its own hands,” he said.
Makinde identified several sectors where Oyo State has competitive advantages and explained that the AfCFTA framework would help the state expand trade relations, particularly with neighboring West and Central African countries.
“If our youth can find gainful employment and we can earn foreign exchange through our productivity, we will lift our people from poverty to prosperity,” he said.
The governor also highlighted recent achievements at the Ibadan airport, noting that an A330 wide-body aircraft, the same model used by Virgin Atlantic on its Lagos-London route, landed there recently, demonstrating the readiness of the facility for international operations.
In his remarks, Tlhaselo praised the visionary leadership of Governor Makinde and described Oyo State as the first sub-national entity in Africa to sign the AfCFTA. He explained that the post-launch engagement was part of the legal administrative process that officially allows Oyo State to trade and collaborate under the AfCFTA.
“This implementation strategy provides Oyo State with the legal basis to participate in international trade and bilateral agreements, positioning the state as a credible partner for global investment and African economic cooperation,” he said.
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