Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on the United Kingdom government to focus more on subnational investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially in Osun State, which he described as the heartland of the South West.
The governor made the call during an investment working visit to the UK House of Commons in London on Tuesday. The event was hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade and Investment Envoy to Nigeria, Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP, and attended by executives from ESG Management Services UK Ltd and other private sector stakeholders.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said now is the time for Nigeria and the UK to strengthen their bilateral business ties, particularly through Commonwealth partnerships.
“The uncertainty in the global economy calls for more partnerships between and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations,” Adeleke said.
He urged the UK to go beyond national-level investments and explore opportunities at the state level in Nigeria. According to him, Osun State offers unique and attractive investment prospects.
“Our state presents a rare opportunity for economic partnership,” he said. “With a population of about five million, Osun is not only the heart of Yoruba land but also a hub for growth in various sectors.”
Adeleke highlighted Osun’s potential in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zones, and the creative industry, noting the state’s peaceful environment and business-friendly policies as major advantages.
He also mentioned several reforms aimed at making Osun more attractive to investors, including:
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A 45-day window for processing Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O)
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A unified tax system to eliminate multiple taxation
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A one-stop investment center for all investment processes
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Investor protection policies and a strong, organized business community under the Osun Chamber of Commerce
In her response, Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP praised the Adeleke administration’s progress in attracting foreign direct investment, noting that global uncertainties make it the perfect time for investors to explore new, promising markets like Osun.
“Key economic indicators coming out of Osun are encouraging,” she said. “It’s clear the state is creating the right environment for meaningful partnerships.”
