Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth, job creation, and overall economic prosperity. Speaking at the 39th Annual General Meeting of the Ogun State branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Wednesday, Abiodun emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s industrial landscape.
Represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, the governor highlighted the state’s status as Nigeria’s industrial hub and outlined the administration’s strategic initiatives to sustain this growth.
In his keynote address, Abiodun assured the business community of the government’s resolve to continue providing an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive.
“Our focus remains on implementing policies and programs that attract more investors to Ogun State and support existing businesses in expanding their operations,” the governor stated. He emphasized the importance of creating a stable and investor-friendly climate to maintain the state’s reputation as a leading industrial destination in Nigeria.
A significant part of the governor’s speech was dedicated to infrastructure development, a critical component of his administration’s industrialization agenda. Abiodun cited ongoing projects, including the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ota Expressway and the Atan/Agbara-Lusada Road, as key efforts to boost economic activities in the state.
He noted that these projects, when completed, would facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services, thereby enhancing productivity and industrial output. “The simultaneous upgrade of road infrastructure across the state is a strategic move to promote economic activities and make Ogun more accessible for businesses,” he explained.
Additionally, Governor Abiodun addressed the issue of taxation, a concern frequently raised by manufacturers and business operators. He revealed that his administration had set up a committee to harmonize taxes, aiming to reduce the burden of multiple taxation on businesses.
This initiative, coupled with the recent passage of the Power Sector Reform Bill by the Ogun State House of Assembly, underscores the administration’s proactive measures to address operational challenges faced by industries, particularly in the areas of power supply and taxation. “We are taking steps to resolve these issues because a vibrant industrial sector is essential for sustainable economic growth,” he added.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to security, Abiodun pointed out ongoing collaborations with security agencies to maintain peace and stability, which are crucial for industrial activities. He noted that ensuring a safe environment for businesses has been a priority, as it is vital for attracting both local and foreign investments.
“The peace and security we enjoy in Ogun are the results of deliberate efforts and partnerships with key stakeholders,” Abiodun said, reinforcing the administration’s focus on creating a secure business environment.
The governor’s address was well-received by the leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, commended the Ogun State government for its supportive stance towards the manufacturing sector. He highlighted the fruitful relationship between the association and the state government, expressing optimism about future collaborations.
Meshioye urged the state administration to adopt President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, which promotes the purchase of locally manufactured goods, as a measure to boost domestic production and support local industries.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the MAN Ogun State branch, Mr. George Onafowokan, raised concerns about the current economic challenges affecting manufacturers. He noted that the depreciation of the Naira and inflationary pressures have significantly impacted the sector, making it difficult for businesses to operate effectively.
“The manufacturing sector is a critical driver of job creation and economic development. While we appreciate the efforts made by the government, more support is needed to enable us to overcome these challenges,” Onafowokan said.
He called for more government intervention in stabilizing the economy and implementing policies that would provide relief to manufacturers, particularly in areas such as foreign exchange management and import duties.
Governor Abiodun’s assurances reflect his administration’s broader strategy to solidify Ogun State’s standing as an industrial powerhouse. By focusing on infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and business-friendly policies, the state government aims to create a more attractive environment for investors and foster long-term economic growth.
The ongoing dialogue with stakeholders like MAN is expected to help align government initiatives with the needs of the industrial sector, ensuring sustained progress in job creation and economic stability.
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