Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged comprehensive support to a team of multi-sectoral Chinese investors seeking to establish operations within the state’s Free Trade Zone and other emerging industrial hubs. The commitment came during a courtesy visit by the investors to the Government House in Osogbo.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke outlined the state’s expanding economic potential, emphasising Osun’s strong performance in Nigeria’s ease of doing business rankings. He reiterated his administration’s openness to credible investors and reaffirmed the government’s efforts to eliminate obstacles traditionally associated with business start-ups.
Adeleke informed the delegation that his government had prioritised tackling infrastructure deficits to create a more business-friendly environment. He noted that several investors had already begun operations in the Free Trade Zone and across other industrial corridors, signalling growing confidence in the state’s reforms.
“You are warmly welcome to the state of the living spring, we are fixing our roads, bridges, schools, utilities, and health infrastructure. We know good infrastructure facilitates business and economic growth; hence, we are reducing the Osun infra deficit,” Adeleke told the delegation.
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The governor explained that his administration had harmonised and automated the state’s tax regime, reducing pressure on businesses. He also highlighted the introduction of a 48-hour turnaround time for Certificates of Occupancy issued through an automated system, which he said had strengthened the state’s competitive edge.
“Our Ministry of Commerce and Industry is run by a team with international exposure. You will receive the best support and facilitation services from our government,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of Shanghai Fadewei International Trade Company Limited, Dr Yusuf Fadairo said the Chinese team selected Osun partly because of their admiration for international music star Davido, who hails from the state, and because of widespread reports praising Adeleke’s governance style.
“We have inspected the zone and are satisfied with the utilities and facilities. We are set to proceed once all regulatory processes are concluded,” he said.
Members of the visiting delegation included experts in amusement park construction, paint production, electric tricycles, logistics, and engineering. Senior state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, were also present at the meeting.
The visit follows an announcement that a Turkish furniture company is set to begin production in Osun, signalling an acceleration in interest in foreign investment. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry recently confirmed that a UK-based company had also approached the government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding ahead of the 2025 Osun Trade Fair.
Jenyo urged local businesses to seize the opportunities arising from the influx of foreign investors, assuring them of the government’s ongoing commitment to establishing a stable, growth-oriented business environment.
