KWARA GOVT SET TO IMPLEMENT FRILIA INITIATIVE

The Kwara State Government has revealed that it is set to implement the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA) initiative to facilitate fairness in the acquisition of land for agricultural purposes in the State.

The Commissioner for Finance, who is also the Chairperson of the Ease of Doing Business Council in the State, Dr. Hauwa Nuru disclosed this yesterday during the presentation of the implementation framework for FRILIA, which is aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for land users, including investors and local communities in the State.

Dr. Nuru said the implementation framework would strengthen the economic value of land acquisition and allocation for agricultural purposes, especially in the rural areas.

She emphasized that the State Government is committed to the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme and other efforts aimed at enhancing ease of doing business across key sectors of the economy. “The impact of the programme is going to go a long way in improving the economy of rural settlers,” she stated.

Dr. Nuru noted that the implementation framework would allow for fairness in land utilisation to communities, investors and government. "I must seize this opportunity to commend and celebrate the exceptional leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to inclusive development, institutional reforms and economic diversification", she noted.

She further said the objective of FRILIA was to create an enabling environment for investments and improve investor confidence as well as mitigate conflicts arising from competing claims on land allocated to investors.

Earlier in his presentation, a FRILIA specialist, Dr. Paul Adepelumi, noted that the framework would facilitate sustainable economic development and growth, rooted in environmental and social stability.

Stating the goal of FRILIA, Dr. Adepelumi said, “it would support the government’s efforts to promote private investment in agriculture through the development of inclusive and universally accepted land acquisition and allocation framework in the State."Ensure mutual benefits from agricultural investments are shared between private investors, local communities and government,” he elaborated.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore added that FRILIA would make investments in the agricultural sector more transparent and consistent, as well as bring about poverty reduction, ensure food security and job creation.

Other stakeholders in attendance were the Commissioners for Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun; Justice, Senior Ibrahim Suleiman;  Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde; Communications, Mrs. Bola Olukoju; Women Affairs, Mrs. Folashade Kemi Opeyemi, and the 

State Accountant General, Mall. Abdulganiu Sani as well as the Chairman, Kwara Inland Revenue Service (KWIRS), Mrs. Shade Omoniyi.

Babatunde Toyin Abdulrasheed

Press Secretary

Ministry of Finance

08032198900