The Ogun State Government has announced plans to establish a Land Management Agency aimed at strengthening sustainable agricultural land use and food production. This move will 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 was disclosed during a stakeholders’ review workshop on the technical implementation of FRILIA, held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, as stated in a press release by OGSTEP Communication Manager, Mrs. Olasunmbo Olayinka.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye—described the agency as a milestone that will institutionalise inclusive and sustainable land governance in Ogun. He explained that the proposed bill to establish the agency would strengthen the state’s leadership in land management and could serve as a model for others across Nigeria.
According to Owotomo, institutionalising FRILIA will enhance coordination across agencies and promote responsible agricultural development. He highlighted FRILIA’s impact, including a comprehensive audit of over 62,000 hectares of government-owned agricultural land, which laid the foundation for strategic planning. So far, over 4,000 hectares have been transparently allocated to agri-food investors through structured evaluation systems.
He added that FRILIA has produced crucial tools such as the Environmental and Social Risk Management toolkit, Grievance Redress Mechanism, and frameworks for Resettlement, Valuation, and Compensation.
Providing insight into the operational structure of the proposed agency, State Solicitor-General, Mr. Segun Olaotan—represented by Mr. Bankole Mafe—said it would be headed by a Director-General appointed by the Governor. The agency’s board, chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture, will include sector representatives and a legal adviser to ensure proper regulation and policy execution.
OGSTEP FRILIA Specialist, Mr. Oladipupo Sofowora, noted that the initiative has helped build trust between the government, investors, and host communities. He stated that many communities are already benefiting from social amenities provided by agricultural investors.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman of the OGSTEP Project Technical Committee, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, praised FRILIA for reducing land allocation bottlenecks and creating a more transparent environment for agricultural investment.
World Bank FRILIA expert, Mr. Darryl Vhugen, commended Ogun State for its exemplary implementation of the FRILIA framework, calling it a trailblazer in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and collaboration to attract more investments and generate employment in the agricultural value chain.
Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Ifedolapo Owode, assured that the legislature would prioritise and expedite the passage of the proposed bill.
OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi—represented by Agric Project Manager, Mrs. Oluseyi Olugbire—revealed that the ongoing technical mission includes visits to key government agencies, training for prospective Land Management Agency staff, and a field tour of the FRILIA Pilot Project site.
ADEOLA KUNLE
