The Ogun State Government has proposed the establishment of a Land Management Agency to evolve from the existing Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA) under the World Bank-supported Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP).

This proposal, according to a statement released on Friday by the OGSTEP Communication Manager, Mrs. Olasunmbo Olayinka, was unveiled during a stakeholders’ review workshop on technical implementation of FRILIA in Ogun State, held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, described the proposed agency as a landmark initiative that will provide a legal framework for inclusive and sustainable land governance in the state.

He stated, “The enactment of the bill to establish the agency will solidify Ogun State’s leadership in land management and serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria. The institutionalisation of FRILIA into a land management agency will ensure better coordination of land-use policies and promote responsible agricultural development.”

Owotomo noted that FRILIA has been instrumental in addressing challenges related to land acquisition, utilisation, and investment transparency. He added that a comprehensive audit of over 62,000 hectares of government-acquired agricultural land provided a solid baseline for strategic land-use planning.

He revealed that over 4,000 hectares have been allocated transparently to agri-food investors using structured evaluation frameworks. FRILIA also developed essential toolkits such as Environmental and Social Risk Management, a Grievance Redress Mechanism, and frameworks for Resettlement, Valuation, and Compensation.

The State Solicitor-General, Mr. Segun Olaotan, represented by Mr. Bankole Mafe, outlined the operational structure of the proposed agency. It will be led by a Director-General appointed by the Governor, under a board chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture, and include representatives from key sectors and a legal adviser.

OGSTEP FRILIA Specialist, Mr. Oladipupo Sofowora, emphasized the initiative’s role in building investor trust and fostering partnerships between the government, investors, and host communities. He noted that many host communities are already benefiting from social amenities provided by agricultural investors.

In his keynote, the Chairman of the OGSTEP Project Technical Committee and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, praised FRILIA’s impact on reducing land allocation challenges and enhancing investor confidence.

World Bank FRILIA Expert, Mr. Darryl Vhugen, lauded Ogun State for its exemplary implementation, calling it a trailblazer in Nigeria. He stressed the need for sustained transparency and collaboration to attract investment and generate jobs.

Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Ifedolapo Owode, assured stakeholders of swift legislative action on the proposed bill.

OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, represented by Agric Project Manager, Mrs. Oluseyi Olugbire, added that the week-long technical mission included visits to key stakeholders, training of prospective Land Management Authority staff, and a field visit to the FRILIA Pilot Project Site.

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