Exercise targets economic database across 33 LGAs as government prepares for EXPOYO 2026.
The Oyo State Government has commenced a data capture and identity card registration exercise for traders, artisans, cooperative members and industrialists across the state’s 33 local government areas.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the ministry in Ibadan.
Adelabu said the exercise was aimed at creating a reliable database of economic operators in the state to improve planning and access to government interventions.
He said the government could not effectively plan for traders, artisans, cooperatives and industrialists without accurate information on their numbers and locations.
The commissioner disclosed that Global Sight Services Limited had been engaged to coordinate the registration and production of the identity cards, with each beneficiary expected to pay ₦1,000.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Mamud Okesade, said the cards would contain modern security features, including a QR code and chip, and would be ready within one month of registration.
Consultant Dayo Bello said the registration would be linked to verified National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers to prevent duplication, fraudulent claims and inaccurate records.
He added that the cards would be produced in ATM-card format and linked to beneficiaries’ verified bank accounts, while the ₦1,000 registration fee would be paid into the beneficiary’s account.
Meanwhile, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting EXPOYO 2026, with Adelabu disclosing that a fresh memorandum was being prepared for Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The development followed administrative processes that delayed the earlier proposed date for the trade fair.
The Vice President of the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Abiola Alli, urged the government to approve the proposed final week of October date early enough to enable exhibitors, investors and development partners to prepare.
Adelabu also urged OYCCIMA to strengthen its role in investment promotion, economic advocacy and the generation of sector-specific data to support government planning.