OYO STATE POISED FOR GLOBAL TRADE UNDER AFCFTA STRATEGY – MAKINDE

OYO STATE POISED FOR GLOBAL TRADE UNDER AFCFTA STRATEGY – MAKINDE


6th February, 2026

IBADAN, OYO STATE – Oyo State has positioned itself as a key player in global trade and a strategic hub for regional export markets under its implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy, Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor highlighted that the AfCFTA initiative, domesticated by Oyo State in 2025, is unlocking significant opportunities in trade, industrialization, and regional market connectivity.

Governor Makinde, represented at a “Training of Trainers Workshop” by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, explained that Oyo State became the first sub-national government in Africa to adopt the AfCFTA strategy, aiming to expand access for local products to African markets free of tariffs.

“We see Oyo State as a connective hub within West Africa, facilitating trade and exports while enhancing the agricultural sector and service industries,” Makinde said.

The governor emphasized that the strategy would boost agribusiness, particularly through increased export volumes and rising demand for local produce, while also promoting sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, and other services.

The workshop was designed to equip stakeholders with knowledge of the AfCFTA value chain, regulatory compliance, and implementation strategies, ensuring effective grassroots adoption across the state.

“Capacity-building is critical. Participants will return to their associations and organisations to share knowledge, ensuring a broad-based understanding and practical application of the AfCFTA strategy,” Makinde added.

The governor urged collaboration between state and non-state actors, highlighting that success would depend on private sector investment and active participation.

Earlier, Ms. Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, Special Adviser on International Trade and AfCFTA, stressed that the workshop was mandatory and aimed at aligning stakeholders’ strategies with state objectives for AfCFTA implementation.

The event drew participation from key officials, including the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, the Director-General of Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency, Mr. Tilewa Folami, development partners, and representatives from professional associations and government agencies.

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