Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says his administration will continue work towards upgrading all infrastructure, so as to create a conducive environment for industrial growth in the state.

The Governor, revealed this at the 39th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State Branch, at Park Inn Hotel, Abeokuta, emphasising government's focus on improving access roads and digitising regulatory processes to create a business-friendly environment.

Abiodun, while outlining significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting economic activities, assured that government would intensify efforts to retain the state’s position as the industrial capital of Nigeria.

Represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, the state helmsman stressed that the ongoing construction of Abeokuta-Ota Expressway and Atan-Agbara-Lusada roads would be completed soon, disclosing that a committee had been set up to work on tax harmonisation, while the state House of Assembly had passed the Power Sector Reform Bill, towards addressing the power challenge.

He also highlighted the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors in driving industrialisation, job creation, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and encouraging a culture of innovation, noting that the effective collaboration with strategic partners had brought about peace and tranquility being witnessed in the state.

The Governor, applauded MAN’s resilience, innovation and dedication for positioning Ogun as the apex in industrial development, promising to address the challenges facing the manufacturing sector, such as energy costs and supply chain disruptions, as well as state government continued collaboration with the association and other stakeholders to promote our common goals.

“We know your pains in the face of the current situation in the country but we will make sure they are properly addressed. It is only when the local businesses are flourishing that there can be a boom for foreign investors’', he said.  

In her goodwill message, Special Adviser and Deputy Director-General of Ogun State’s Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke, assured manufacturers that the agency would be committed to streamlining support processes for businesses in the state, as it serves as a dependable one-stop shop where manufacturers can rely on assistance with permits, addressing complaints, navigating other regulatory requirements essential for their operations at no cost, saying, “We are ready to support and simplify the regulatory journey so that you can focus on growth and innovation’’.

In his keynote address, President, MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye commended the state government for creating a supportive environment for manufacturing growth, and its continued efforts in tackling industry challenges.

He highlighted key issues such as high cost of fuel, foreign exchange constraints, and power supply inconsistencies, encouraging the state to boost demand for locally-made products and emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships in driving Ogun’s industrial growth, calling on the state government to domesticate the President Bola Tinubu Executive Order, that makes it mandatory for everyone to patronise locally made goods in Nigeria.

Earlier in his address, Chairman, MAN, Ogun State Branch, Mr. George Onafowokan, expressed delight over the present administration’s support for industrial sector, commending the synergy between the association and Ministries of Environment, as well as Industry, Trade and Investment, noting that their support had kept many factories operational and strengthened the manufacturing sector in the state.