Oyo Acting Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has Inaugurated Steering and Technical Committee on Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive-Investment in Agriculture (FRILIA) of State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), a world bank in collaboration with Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.
Th Steering committee comprising of 16 members will be chaired by the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, while Mr Akinfunmilayo Williams, the Commissioner for Lands will chair the Technical Committee.
During the inauguration of the 37 members at the Exco chamber on Friday, the Acting Governor described the two committees as critical to expand the scope of doing business, including inviting investors to the state.
He explained that it is a Three (3) Year performance for result based programme with relevant Stakeholders on resource control and management (2023-2025).
According to Barr. Lawal, the FRILIA is one of the Disbursement Link Indicators (DLI) of State Action on Business Enabling Environment (SABER) programme critical to the Agricultural and Land acquisition for commercial agriculture.
He added that FRILIA is based on 4 cardinal principles namely Environmental and social sustainability of investment; Recognizing and protecting land rights; State land acquisition and resettlement, as well as Overarching investment principles.
The Acting Governor further noted that FRILIA will aid State government effort in attracting larg scale agricultural investment that guarantees shared benefits for the investors and host communities on Land.
He said: “FRILIA is to aid Oyo State in compliance with best international practice on the ease of doing business especially for export.
“To drive state economy with agribusiness using the Public, Private Development Partnership (PPDP) business model.
“Provide a responsible framework that will encourage sound social and environment management practices.
“To enhance Oyo state attractiveness to private investment and minimize the potential conflicts between communities and investors on land.”
The Acting Governor thanked His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, for the signing of FRILIA Executive Order on 27th, December, 2023.
While noting that members of the committee had been properly and professionally selected, he urged them to ensure that all business investments were consistent with FRILIA principles and international business practices.