In a bid to reform its industrial policies and enhance economic development, the Oyo State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to sensitise industry players on the proper payment of haulage fees and other key issues affecting the sector.

The initiative, announced on Thursday, follows a high-level meeting between officials of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, and executives of MAN at the association’s secretariat in Jericho, Ibadan.

Speaking at the meeting, the state’s Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, said the collaboration was aimed at strengthening the working relationship between government and manufacturers, with a focus on achieving sustainable industrial growth and implementing structured revenue reforms across the state.

Adebisi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, described the meeting as part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader industrial agenda to build a resilient, inclusive, and export-driven economy.

He said, “The purpose of this visit is to deepen our collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and to ensure that our industries benefit from structured reforms, improved infrastructure, and better access to government support. We want to make Oyo State a preferred destination for industrial investment.”

The commissioner emphasised that the state government was keen on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those in value-added agriculture and local processing industries. He highlighted the need to promote and standardize products such as ‘Gari Oyo’ and turmeric to meet export standards, creating new channels for job creation and income generation.

“We recognise that MAN is in the best position to identify and recommend genuine manufacturers and processors who can scale up production and improve the quality of their goods. The government is also ready to sponsor such initiatives,” Adebisi said.

He revealed that the ministry is already working closely with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to expand the state’s export portfolio and encouraged MAN to tap into that opportunity.

On the issue of taxation and haulage fees, Adebisi reiterated the government’s willingness to engage directly with manufacturers in order to design inclusive and fair tax policies. He stressed that accurate data from manufacturers would help the government communicate effectively with the right stakeholders and avoid blanket policies that may hurt genuine businesses.

As part of efforts to address labour and welfare concerns in the sector, Adebisi also announced the establishment of a Committee on Industrial Crisis Management tasked with intervening in disputes and ensuring the protection of factory workers’ rights and welfare.

“Governor Makinde’s administration is committed to putting the welfare of factory workers first. We understand that human capital is the backbone of industrial development, and we’re ready to mediate and resolve any crisis that may arise between management and workers,” he added.

In response, representatives of MAN commended the government for its proactive industrial vision and pledged their support for the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the association’s chairman for Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, Mr. Samuel Olawoyin and Mr. Sebastine Shuiabu both acknowledged the value of government-industry collaboration but also stressed the need for balanced and practical policies that would not stifle manufacturers.

They noted that manufacturers were already grappling with challenges such as rising energy costs, poor infrastructure, multiple levies, and regulatory bottlenecks. They called for a more streamlined system that supports industrial growth while also ensuring government revenue targets are met.

The Executive Secretary of MAN, Mr. Nanzing Rimdan, assured the Oyo State Government of the association’s commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation, particularly in resolving issues around taxation, infrastructure, and access to financing.

“This meeting is a strong step in the right direction. With continued engagement and collaboration, we believe the government’s industrial roadmap will benefit not just manufacturers but also the people of Oyo State,” Rimdan stated.

The partnership signals a renewed focus on private sector development in Oyo State, and forms part of the state government’s broader economic agenda to attract investment, boost local production, and grow non-oil exports.

As the state continues to position itself as a hub for agro-processing and small-scale manufacturing in the South-West region, stakeholders believe that this kind of dialogue is vital to addressing the long-standing challenges that have hindered industrial development in the past.

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