Land, a key economic asset that must be handled responsibly – Makinde

Seyi Makinde of Oyo state says land is a key economic asset that must be handled responsibly to ensure equitable benefits for all citizens.

Makinde stated this on Thursday at the launch of the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA), held at the Executive Council Chamber of his office.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, noted that the misuse of allocated land posed a serious challenge to sustainable development, environmental management, and community stability.

He urged residents of the state across the 33 local government areas to be watchful, vigilant and actively monitor land usage in their respective communities.

According to him, some individuals and organisations are in the habit of applying for lands under specific purposes but divert the same for unintended or unauthorised activities.

Makinde explained that that the FRILIA initiative represented his administration’s steadfast commitment “to inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and responsible land governance.

“FRILIA provides clear guidelines that ensure land-based agricultural investments are properly evaluated, adequately monitored, and are beneficial to all stakeholders, particularly host communities, farmers, and investors.”

He noted that the initiative would help prevent exploitation, promote environmental sustainability and reduce land-related conflicts.

“It signifies the unwavering dedication to building a future that is underpinned by principles of responsibility, inclusiveness, transparency, and sustainability.

“It embodies our commitment to fostering an environment in which land investment is managed with integrity and care for all stakeholders in our state.

“Moreso, FRILIA is just providing a platform for prospective investors in agri-development in our state.

“But then, the state government must provide an enabling environment and that is why we are talking of responsibility.

“We will be responsible as an administration in land investment, recognising the right of landowners, farmers, local communities, and local government as well and any party involved in land acquisition,” he stated.
The governor further explained that land investment should not benefit a select few while eliminating the majority.

He asserted that inclusive investment ensures that all segments of society, especially the marginalised and vulnerable members of the society have a say in land-related transactions and decisions.

In his remarks, Mr Akin-Fumilayo Williams, the Chairman of the FRILIA Technical Committee, who is also the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said that the initiative was a flagship component of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER).

According to Williams, SABER is a World Bank-supported programme implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

He explained that the initiative was a three-year development project designed to strengthen land governance processes, empower stakeholders, and enhance the state’s capacity to manage land resources efficiently.

He further explained that “the FRILIA framework outlines procedures for risk assessment; community engagement, environmental protection, compensation, and grievance redress mechanisms.

“By integrating these components, the initiative seeks to ensure that land-intensive agricultural investments are carried out with fairness, respect for community rights, and long-term sustainability,” the commissioner said.

Corroborating Williams, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, emphasised that the initiative was to create a stable and predictable environment for business growth in the state.

Babatunde explained that SABER focuses on reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving transparency and strengthening investment-friendly policies that support both local and foreign investors
He added that FRILIA aligns with the state’s economic vision by promoting agricultural transformation and enhancing food security.