Ogun State Proposes New Agency to Strengthen Land Governance for Agriculture

In a bid to boost agricultural investments and improve land governance, the Ogun State Government has proposed establishing a dedicated Land Management Agency.

This agency will evolve from the current Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA), part of the World Bank-backed Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP).

The initiative was presented during a stakeholders’ workshop at the Obas’ Complex in Abeokuta, focusing on FRILIA’s technical implementation.

Agriculture Commissioner Bolu Owotomo, speaking through Permanent Secretary Kehinde Jokotoye, described the agency as a “landmark initiative” that will provide a legal structure for sustainable and inclusive land governance in the state. “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,” he said.

Owotomo explained that converting FRILIA into a formal agency will enhance coordination of land-use policies and promote responsible agricultural growth by integrating FRILIA’s principles across sectors and agencies.

He highlighted FRILIA’s success in overcoming land acquisition and transparency challenges through a comprehensive audit of more than 62,000 hectares of government agricultural land, establishing a solid base for strategic planning. “Over 4,000 hectares have been transparently allocated to investors using structured evaluation frameworks,” Owotomo added.

The initiative has also developed important tools such as Environmental and Social Risk Management and a Grievance Redress Mechanism.

State Solicitor-General Segun Olaotan outlined the agency’s governance structure, noting it will be led by a Governor-appointed Director-General and overseen by a board chaired by the Agriculture Commissioner, including sector representatives and a legal adviser.

OGSTEP FRILIA Specialist Oladipupo Sofowora emphasized the agency’s role in building trust among investors and communities, many of which have benefited from social amenities provided by agricultural investors.

Commissioner for Budget and Planning and OGSTEP Technical Committee Chairman Olaolu Olabimtan praised FRILIA’s transparency in land allocation, which has fostered investor confidence.

World Bank expert Darryl Vhugen lauded Ogun State’s pioneering implementation of the framework and urged ongoing transparency and collaboration to attract investments and create jobs.

Ogun State House of Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Ifedolapo Owode pledged legislative support for prompt passage of the bill.

OGSTEP Project Coordinator Mosun Owo-Odusi revealed that the ongoing technical mission includes staff training and a visit to the FRILIA Pilot Project Site.