Oyo Ranks Third in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that the state ranks third nationally in the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report, attributing the performance to deliberate government policies and sustained investment in economic infrastructure.

Makinde made the disclosure on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Ibadan.

The trade fair, organised jointly by the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), has the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, the governor urged stakeholders to consolidate the state’s progress and turn available economic opportunities into sustainable prosperity.

According to the 2025 report released by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Oyo scored 62.7 per cent, placing third behind Lagos State, which scored 85.6 per cent, and Kaduna State, with 65.1 per cent.

The assessment examined states’ business environments across indicators covering infrastructure, digital connectivity, land administration, taxation, trade logistics, commercial justice, investor support and skilled labour readiness.

Makinde emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the state government and chambers of commerce in implementing policies that support businesses, attract investment and create employment.

He also highlighted Oyo’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as an opportunity to connect local entrepreneurs with wider African markets.

The governor said cooperation among local, regional and continental business organisations was essential to expanding trade and strengthening the competitiveness of businesses operating in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Okesade, who represented the commissioner at a segment of the event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic growth through collaboration, value addition and the promotion of locally produced goods, particularly agricultural products.

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Jani Ibrahim, represented by Kola Akosile, described the trade fair as a platform for showcasing Nigerian products, promoting enterprise development and strengthening investment partnerships.

OYCCIMA President Niran Adewoyin said the fair was designed to extend beyond conventional exhibitions by encouraging market expansion, innovation and economic integration.

The event attracted exhibitors, traders, market leaders, government officials and private-sector representatives.

The ranking provides a benchmark for Oyo’s business-environment reforms, while the state faces the continuing challenge of translating improved regulatory performance into greater investment, business expansion and employment opportunities.