Oyo Govt Moves to Protect ‘Work-and-Pay’ Drivers, Tackles Vehicle Seizure Abuses, Boosts Agricultural Export Capacity
Ibadan — The Oyo State Government has commenced concrete steps to regulate hire purchase operations in the transport sector, following growing concerns over alleged unfair vehicle seizures affecting operators under the popular “work-and-pay” scheme.
The intervention targets what stakeholders have described as exploitative and draconian practices by some vehicle owners who reportedly repossess vehicles despite substantial repayments already made by drivers.
This was disclosed during a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry on Friday in Ibadan, in line with a resolution of the Oyo State House of Assembly mandating government intervention to ensure fairness, transparency and sustainability in hire purchase arrangements.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to people-centred governance. He explained that the engagement was aimed at gathering practical inputs that would inform the development of a balanced policy framework capable of protecting livelihoods while promoting responsible business practices.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (MODAN), the Automobile and Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (AMDON), the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), the State Intelligence Department (S.I.D) and other relevant agencies.
Chairmen of MODAN and AMDON, Captain Oluwole Odeleke (rtd) and Asiwaju Olurinde Kolawole, respectively, noted that hire purchase—popularly known as “work-and-pay”—remains a major pathway for acquiring income-generating assets such as tricycles, motorcycles and vehicles. They called for clearer operational standards, improved documentation and realistic repayment structures to minimise disputes and rebuild trust among all parties.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System, Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh, highlighted the socio-economic pressures facing many youths who rely on hire purchase schemes for survival and empowerment, describing the engagement as both timely and necessary.
Officers of the State Intelligence Department (S.I.D) and Eleyele Police Station sensitised participants on the provisions of the Hire Purchase Act, stressing the importance of written agreements, transparency and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms.
Stakeholders agreed that outcomes of the engagement would be harmonised into formal recommendations for legislative consideration and subsequent policy action, aimed at establishing a humane, structured and sustainable hire purchase framework in Oyo State.
Oyo Boosts Agricultural Export Capacity
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to economic growth, enterprise development and youth empowerment through targeted initiatives in agricultural export promotion.
This was made known during a two-day Human Capacity Training on Agricultural Exportable Produce, organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Commissioner Adeniyi Adebisi said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of farmers and exporters, enhance agricultural value chains and ensure compliance with international export standards. He noted that the programme builds on earlier export cluster development trainings held in July and August 2025.
According to him, the Makinde administration views agriculture as a strategic driver of economic diversification, small-scale entrepreneurship and foreign exchange earnings, assuring participants of continued policy support and capacity-building initiatives.
The government, he said, remains committed to positioning Oyo State as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural export economy.
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