By Adedoja Afees Ekolo, member GSM Advocates
Governor Seyi Makinde's security strategy has been a game-changer for Oyo State, fostering a conducive environment for business growth and job creation. By prioritizing the safety of citizens, Makinde's administration has attracted investors, boosted economic development, and improved the overall quality of life for residents. The Oyo State government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has reported significant economic growth and job creation in the state, attributed to its effective security strategy.
Security plays a crucial role in economic development by ensuring the safety of lives and properties while creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has made security a key priority, recognizing its direct impact on infrastructure development, trade, investment, and governance. Under his leadership, various security initiatives have been implemented to boost economic growth and attract investors. This article examines how effective security in Oyo State is fostering economic progress through infrastructure development, trade and investment promotion, and good Governance.
Infrastructure development is vital for economic growth, but it can only be sustained in a secure environment. Recognizing this, the Makinde administration has heavily invested in security to support ongoing infrastructural projects across the state.
In 2025, Oyo State proposed a ₦678.86 billion budget, with a significant portion dedicated to capital projects that enhance security and economic stability. Some of the major infrastructure projects include:
The rehabilitation of Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road, the reconstruction of the Airport-Ajia-New Ife Express Road, and improvements to other key highways are aimed at boosting connectivity while reducing security risks in remote areas, also to curb night-time crime and enhance safety, the government launched the Light-Up Oyo Project, a streetlight installation initiative across major roads and business districts.
The ongoing mega-project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve logistics efficiency, and make business operations smoother for investors and traders. These projects not only facilitate business operations but also reduce crime by improving surveillance and law enforcement response times. By securing infrastructure, Oyo State ensures long-term economic benefits and positions itself as an attractive destination for investors.
Trade and investment thrive in environments where businesses feel protected and assured of their sustainability. Under the current administration, Oyo State has focused on improving security to encourage business growth and attract foreign and local investors.
To showcase its economic potential, Oyo State is set to host EXPOYO 2025, an international trade fair themed "Achieving Food Security and Economic Stability Through Massive Investment in Agriculture." This event aims to:
Provide a platform for local businesses to connect with global investors, Promote Oyo State as a business-friendly environment, Encourage investment in agriculture, a sector that requires stability and security to flourish.
As a leading agricultural hub, Oyo State has prioritized security to protect farmers, traders, and agribusiness investors from threats such as farm theft and clashes between herders and farmers. Through improved security measures, the government aims to Prevent disruptions in food supply chains, Encourage agribusiness expansion, leading to more employment opportunities, Boost export potential for cash crops and livestock products.
Apart from Job created by His administration such as 14,000 teachers employed through Tescom and SUBEB, with 7,000 teachers recruited in 2020 and an additional 7,500 teachers recently employed, 500 health workers hired, with 375 personnel employed by the State Hospital Management Board, including medical doctors, nurses, and specialists, 1,500 local government workers appointed, with ad-hoc staff converted to permanent positions.
This reflects the economic impacts of his administration's job creation efforts which has contributed to a significant decline in Oyo State's unemployment rate, which currently stands at 2.0%, surpassing the FCT's rate of 18.7% as of September 26, 2024. This achievement positions Oyo State as a leader in employment creation
Other notable achievements on job creation are Youth Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness Programme, introduced to empower Oyo State youth in agribusiness, with training at CSS Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State, Civil Service Commission Recruitment*: 791 staff employed, with a focus on merit-based recruitment and inclusivity,1,800 workers pardoned, reinstated, or promoted under the Seyi Makinde administration.
In a move to further attract investors, the Makinde administration approved the Business-Enabling Reforms Action Plan in 2025. This plan focuses on: Enhancing transparency and accountability to build investor trust, Reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks that discourage business registrations and expansion, Strengthening security policies to ensure that businesses operate without fear of crime or harassment.
With these strategies, Oyo State is positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s most secure and investment-friendly states.
Security is not just about deploying law enforcement—it requires strategic governance and accountability. The Oyo State government has taken bold steps to ensure security policies are effectively implemented. According to recent statistics, the state's security initiatives have led to a notable increase in investment inflows,
The Fasola agribusiness hub, developed by the state government, is expected to create 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, while supporting 7,000 smallholder farmers. Other industries, such as sugarcane processing and ginger production, are also emerging.
The Makinde administration has invested in equipping security agencies with the necessary tools and logistics to combat crime effectively. These measures include: Acquisition of patrol vehicles and surveillance drones for crime monitoring, Increased police presence in high-risk areas such as markets, highways, and business districts, Expansion of the Amotekun Corps, the regional security outfit, to enhance grassroots security operations.
To improve intelligence gathering and community-based security efforts, the government has integrated local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community leaders into the security framework. This approach fosters trust between security agencies and the public, ensuring proactive crime prevention.
Governor Makinde has also urged the Nigerian military to intensify efforts in tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Recognizing that Oyo State’s security cannot be addressed in isolation, he advocates for regional security collaboration with neighboring states to curb cross-border criminal activities.
Effective security is a fundamental pillar of economic growth, and Oyo State has made significant strides in leveraging security to drive development. Through strategic infrastructure investments, business-friendly reforms, and strengthened governance, the Makinde administration is fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, trade can flourish, and investments can multiply.
Makinde's administration is exploring opportunities in technology and innovation, aiming to diversify the economy and drive growth. The state's security initiatives include enhanced support for security agencies, strategic road construction, and the development of agribusiness industrial hubs.
The ongoing security initiatives, infrastructural projects, and trade facilitation efforts are positioning Oyo as a leading economic hub in Nigeria. For long-term success, continued collaboration between the government, security agencies, businesses, and local communities remains essential. By prioritizing security, Oyo State is not only protecting its residents but also building a sustainable economic future for generations to come.
Oyo State's economic growth and job creation demonstrate Governor Makinde's effective leadership and security strategy, boosting resident optimism for the future.
