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Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Industrialising Osun, Enforces 45-Day C-of-O Timeline
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Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Industrialising Osun, Enforces 45-Day C-of-O Timeline
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to industrialise the state through strategic public-private partnerships, with a renewed directive for strict compliance with the 45-day processing timeline for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
The governor gave the assurance on Sunday while receiving a delegation of Chinese investors considering the establishment of factories in the Ile-Ife area.
Adeleke said his government has consistently prioritised policies that promote ease of doing business since assuming office in 2022, noting that such reforms have helped attract investors from within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, “tax payments and administration have been harmonised to eliminate multiple taxation on businesses, thereby reducing the burden on small enterprises across the state.”
He added that the government had digitised tax processes and introduced a one-stop investment platform to improve efficiency.
“We have also upgraded the state investment agency to ensure faster response and better service delivery to investors,” he said.
The governor further stated that unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles in securing business permits had been removed, with relevant ministries mandated to adhere to strict timelines.
“From the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Ministry of Lands, we have enforced timelines to ensure prompt attention to investors and residents,” he said.
Speaking on industrial infrastructure, Adeleke noted that the state’s free trade zones, which had been inactive for over a decade, are now operational.
“Our free trade zones, neglected for more than twelve years, are back on stream. We encourage investors to take advantage of the opportunities there, as several companies have already secured spaces,” he said.
On land administration, the governor stressed the importance of maintaining the 45-day C-of-O processing window.
“We pioneered the 45-day window for processing Certificates of Occupancy, and significant progress has been recorded. I have personally received feedback from applicants who obtained their documents within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
He, however, warned against any lapse in the system, directing relevant officials to sustain the momentum.
“I am directing that there should be no slowing down. While I commend the Ministry of Lands for the progress made, the 45-day window must be sustained,” Adeleke stated.
He advised investors experiencing delays to report to the Commissioner for Commerce, the Commissioner for Lands, or escalate directly to his office if necessary.
Reiterating his administration’s vision, the governor said, “We remain committed to industrialising Osun State under a public-private partnership arrangement.”
Adeleke also commended traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, for their efforts in attracting investors to the state.
“We deeply appreciate their commitment and passion for the industrial development of Osun,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the visiting delegation, Mr. Chi of the Chinese Prodigy Group of Companies, said the firm is exploring expansion into Osun State after establishing operations in six other states across the country.
He explained that the company manufactures doors, bolts, nuts and related products, adding that it is ready to commence operations once land related issues are resolved.
“We are committed to setting up our factory in Osun. We will also engage our partners on the opportunities available in the Free Trade Zone.
We are impressed with the investment environment here,” he said.
