The Osun State government has allocated land to 12 [1] new industries in the Living Spring Free Trade Zone in Ede [1, 2].

This move is designed to accelerate industrialization in the region, reducing unemployment and diversifying the local economy through large-scale private investment.

According to the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, the state has allocated a parcel of land to about 12 [1] new industries willing to invest in the revitalized zone [2]. The government's primary objective is to boost industrial development and stimulate economic growth within the state [1, 2].

Officials said that the initiative aims to create over 10,000 [1] direct jobs for the local population. By providing the necessary land infrastructure, the state intends to attract more companies to the Living Spring Free Trade Zone, transforming the town of Ede into an industrial hub [1, 2].

The allocation of land is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the free trade zone to make it more attractive to foreign and domestic investors. The government said the investment will lead to a higher standard of living for the residents of Osun State through increased employment opportunities and the growth of ancillary services [1, 2].

This development follows a period of revitalization for the Living Spring Free Trade Zone, which the government has been working to restore to full operational capacity. The state said it has streamlined the process for new industries to enter the zone, simplifying the process of land acquisition and operational setup [2].

By focusing on a 12 [1] industry expansion, the state government is positioning itself as a competitive destination for industrial investment in Nigeria. This expansion is expected to create a sustainable economic ecosystem where new factories and plants will support local suppliers and small businesses [1, 2].

“The government's primary objective is to boost industrial development and stimulate economic growth within the state.”

The allocation of land to 12 new industries represents a strategic shift toward public-private partnerships to drive regional economic growth. By leveraging a Free Trade Zone, the state government is attempting to reduce the risks for investors while simultaneously addressing the high unemployment rates typical of regional industrial hubs. This move signals a state-led effort to integrate Osun into the broader Nigerian industrial landscape, potentially turning Ede into a a key logistical and manufacturing center.