The Oyo State Government has explained why it discontinued a proposed maize export arrangement with Botswana, saying the decision followed economic assessments that showed the deal would not provide sufficient returns for farmers.
The state government said the move was based on findings from the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and was intended to prevent local farmers from being exposed to an unprofitable export venture.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
According to the statement, the Makinde administration initially explored a bilateral arrangement with Botswana during the governor’s first term. The proposal was designed to create a guaranteed market for maize produced by farmers in the state while also generating foreign exchange through exports.
However, the government said subsequent feasibility studies changed its assessment of the project.
Why the maize plan was dropped
The Oyo government explained that its agricultural agency conducted detailed studies into the proposed large-scale maize export programme and concluded that the economics did not make the venture viable.
Rather than proceed with an arrangement that could leave farmers with poor returns, the government said it chose to redirect its agricultural strategy towards value chains with stronger commercial prospects.
Cassava was identified as one of the areas receiving greater attention under the revised approach.
The government stressed that abandoning the Botswana maize proposal should not be interpreted as a retreat from international agricultural trade. Instead, it described the move as a change in strategy based on market conditions and economic data.
Oyo highlights agricultural investments
While explaining the decision, the state government also pointed to several agricultural initiatives implemented under Makinde.
Among them are the Ijaye Agribusiness Industrial Hub, the establishment of OYSADA and the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Park.
The government said the Fasola facility has been recognised by the African Development Bank as Nigeria’s first Agricultural Transformation Centre.
It also linked agricultural development to other investments, including rural road construction, security measures involving the Amotekun Corps and the Light Up Oyo programme.
According to the state, such initiatives are intended to improve the operating environment for farmers and reduce challenges associated with transporting and preserving agricultural produce.
Focus shifts to wider African markets
The government further pointed to Oyo’s implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework as part of its strategy for expanding agricultural commerce.
Rather than depending on a single export arrangement with Botswana, the state said its broader objective is to position Oyo farmers and agribusinesses to participate in larger African markets.
The government maintained that its agricultural policy is centred on data, competitiveness and long-term economic sustainability.
The Botswana maize proposal therefore represents one initiative that was reviewed and subsequently abandoned after the state’s assessment of its commercial prospects, while other agricultural projects continue under the Makinde administration.
The clarification comes amid renewed attention to the state’s agricultural policies and its efforts to develop farming, processing and trade as interconnected parts of Oyo’s economy.
