Governor Ademola Adeleke urged UK investors to prioritize Osun State during a London summit, citing untapped economic potential.
He emphasized bilateral partnerships to boost trade amid global instability.
Speaking at the House of Commons, Adeleke highlighted Osun’s strategic advantages: a five-million-strong population, peace, and streamlined business processes. Representatives from UK firms and Osun’s delegation attended the forum.
“Strengthening UK-Nigeria ties is critical now,” Adeleke declared. He proposed linking British businesses to subnational opportunities, stressing Osun’s mining, agriculture, and digital sectors as lucrative.
To attract investors, Osun guarantees 45-day land permits, unified taxes, and investment protection frameworks. The state also cut infrastructure deficits by half since 2023.
UK Envoy Florence Eshalomi applauded Osun’s reforms, noting its ease of doing business. She pledged support for partnerships, citing the state’s organized private sector readiness.
Meanwhile, Osun signed an MoU with ESG Management Services UK to channel investments into agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. Both parties vowed collaborative project management.
Adeleke’s delegation included commissioners for commerce, agriculture, and economic planning, alongside Osun’s investment agency leaders. They detailed sector-specific incentives for UK stakeholders.
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, representing Osun’s Chamber of Commerce, affirmed local businesses’ readiness to support foreign investors. He emphasized mutual growth through shared expertise.
The governor reiterated his vision to position Osun as Nigeria’s investment gateway, leveraging Commonwealth ties. His administration targets a 70% infrastructure deficit reduction by 2025.
Critics, however, question implementation timelines, but Adeleke assured transparency. “We’ve revamped land allocation and tax systems to eliminate bottlenecks,” he countered.
The summit also spotlighted Osun’s creative industries, urging UK firms to explore film and tech ventures. Youth empowerment programs were flagged as joint priorities.
Eshalomi praised Osun’s regulatory strides, linking them to broader Commonwealth trade goals. She hinted at future UK-Nigeria subnational investment forums.
As global markets fluctuate, Adeleke positioned Osun as a stable alternative. He cited recent upgrades to roads, power grids, and digital infrastructure.
The MoU signing drew applause, with ESG’s Francisco Da-Silva pledging to connect British firms to Osun’s public assets. Both sides will finalize terms by July.
Local activists welcomed the deal but urged safeguards for community interests. “Growth must uplift residents, not just investors,” argued Osun-based NGO director Tola Adekunle.
Adeleke’s team now plans roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham to court smaller UK enterprises. They aim to diversify partnerships beyond large corporations.
With this push, Osun seeks to rival Lagos and Ogun as Nigeria’s investment hotspots. Its agro-processing zones and mineral reserves remain key selling points.
As the delegation returns, focus shifts to implementation. Stakeholders await tangible outcomes, hoping this marks a turning point for Osun’s economy.
