Ogun State Government disclosed that it has entered into a partnership with the World Bank to facilitate fairness in access to agricultural land in the state.
The State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, stated that the partnership comes under a policy tagged, ‘Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-intensive Agricultural Investments’, which would ensure equal opportunity for land users, including investors and local communities in the state.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Jamiu Odetoyinbo, said the framework would strengthen the economic value of land acquisition and allocation for agricultural purposes.
He added that the policy was established through Ogun State Economic Transportation Project, a World Bank-assisted project, noting that it was also based on international agreements on responsible land-based investment.
While unveiling FRILLA at a stakeholders engagement forum, the OGSTEP, Project Manager, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire noted
The OGSTEP Agriculture Sector, Project Manager, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire, while unveiling FRILLA at a stakeholders’ engagement forum, noted that the framework would allow for fairness in land utilization to both communities, investors and government.
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She said the objective of FRILIA was to create an enabling environment for investments and improve investor confidence, mitigating conflicts arising in competing claims on land allocated to investors.
Earlier in his presentation, a FRILIA specialist, Oladipupo Sofowora, noted that the framework would facilitate sustainable economic development and growth rooted in environmental and social stability.
While stating the goal of FRILIA, Sofowora said, “It would support the government’s efforts to promote private investment in agriculture through the d3evelopment of the inclusive and universally accepted land and acquisition and allocation framework in the State.
“Ensure mutual benefits from agricultural investments are shared between private investors, local communities and government.”
Speaking at the forum in Abeokuta, the Programme Coordinator, OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odunsi, who was represented by the Technical and Vocational Educational Training Specialist, Mr. Eyo Unyimeabasi revealed that the policy was formulated to foster fairness for communities, investors, government among other stakeholders involved in land-based agricultural investments.
He said land was key to agricultural business, while a comprehensive approach should be put in place to ensure its acquisition and allocation.
