Oyo State's economic competitiveness boosted by Governor Makinde's infrastructure and development focus

Oyo State in Nigeria is being assessed for its economic and infrastructural development during Governor Seyi Makinde's seven-year administration, which is nearing its end. Olufemi Aduwo, Permanent Representative of the Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity to the UN ECOSOC, describes the period as one of the most deliberate and structured transformations since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999.

Aduwo highlights that development has been approached holistically, focusing on building institutional and physical foundations for long-term economic growth. Infrastructure, such as roads connecting agricultural belts to processing centers and markets, has served as a catalyst for development, improving mobility and reducing costs for businesses and farmers. The state has also invested in critical sectors like agriculture, shifting from subsistence farming to commercial production, and has seen significant interventions in education and healthcare.

"Infrastructure has been used as a catalyst for development rather than as an end in itself," Aduwo stated. He noted that roads have not merely connected towns but have specifically linked agricultural areas with processing centers, markets, and industrial corridors, thereby enhancing mobility and lowering transportation expenses for both farmers and businesses.

The administration's stable fiscal management has enabled ambitious projects without causing financial distress. While acknowledging that no government is perfect and areas like employment and urban renewal require further improvement, Aduwo concludes that Oyo State's trajectory has been decidedly positive. The state is now considered more economically competitive and better connected, positioning it as an economic powerhouse in Nigeria.

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Infrastructure has been used as a catalyst for development rather than as an end in itself.