Ogun State proposes Establishment of Land Management Agency to Enhance Land Governance

Ogun State proposes Establishment of Land Management Agency to Enhance Land Governance

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to establish a dedicated Land Management Agency, evolving from the current Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA), supported by the World Bank under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP).

This development was disclosed during a stakeholders’ review workshop on FRILIA’s technical implementation, held at the Obas’ Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. A statement from OGSTEP Communications Manager, Mrs. Olasunmbo Olayinka, confirmed the proposal’s unveiling.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, described the initiative as a significant milestone that will establish a legal framework for inclusive and sustainable land governance in Ogun State.

He stated, “The enactment of the bill to establish this agency will reinforce Ogun State’s leadership in land management and serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria. Integrating FRILIA into a formal land management agency will improve coordination of land-use policies and promote responsible agricultural development, ensuring FRILIA’s principles are applied across sectors.”

Mr. Owotomo emphasized that FRILIA, a flagship OGSTEP initiative, has been pivotal in tackling issues related to land acquisition, utilization, and investment transparency. He highlighted that a comprehensive audit of over 62,000 hectares of government-owned agricultural land has established a solid foundation for strategic land-use planning.

Furthermore, more than 4,000 hectares have been transparently allocated to agricultural investors through structured evaluation frameworks. FRILIA has also developed vital tools, including Environmental and Social Risk Management protocols, Grievance Redress Mechanisms, and frameworks for Resettlement, Valuation, and Compensation.

The State Solicitor-General, Mr. Segun Olaotan, represented by Mr. Bankole Mafe, provided insights into the operational structure of the proposed agency. He explained that the agency would be led by a Director-General appointed by the Governor and overseen by a board chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture. The board will include representatives from key sectors and a legal adviser to ensure regulatory compliance and policy development.

OGSTEP FRILIA Specialist, Mr. Oladipupo Sofowora, highlighted the initiative’s role in building investor confidence and fostering collaborative relationships among government, investors, and local communities. He noted that several host communities are already benefiting from social amenities provided by agricultural investors.

In his keynote address, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Chairman of the OGSTEP Project Technical Committee and Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, praised FRILIA’s effectiveness in reducing land allocation challenges and boosting investor confidence. “The transparency introduced by FRILIA has created a more conducive environment for agricultural investments, benefiting both investors and host communities,” he stated.

From a global perspective, Mr. Darryl Vhugen, a World Bank FRILIA Expert, commended Ogun State for its exemplary implementation of the framework, calling it a trailblazer in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and stakeholder engagement to attract further investments and create jobs along the agricultural value chain.

Additionally, Hon. Ifedolapo Owode, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, assured stakeholders of the legislature’s prompt attention and support for the proposed bill.

OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, through Agricultural Project Manager Mrs. Oluseyi Olugbire, revealed that the ongoing week-long technical mission includes visits to key government agencies, staff training for the proposed Land Management Agency (LMA), and field visits to the FRILIA Pilot Project Site.