One Plot
Ibadan – Oyo State is taking bold steps to reimagine its urban future — and a recent visit by the Governor to Nairobi, Kenya, has brought valuable insights into how new cities can be designed, financed, and sustained.
High-Level Talks on Urban Growth and Investment
At the heart of the Governor’s trip was a courtesy call on Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Musalia W. Mudavadi, E.G.H.. Discussions explored bilateral relationships between Oyo State and sub-national entities in Kenya, particularly in sectors that directly impact new towns development: agro-logistics cargo systems, urban regeneration, trade, tourism, and aviation.
Dr. Mudavadi affirmed that Kenya is open to partnerships and business with Oyo State — an encouraging step toward cross-border urban innovation and investment.
Firsthand Look at Tatu City
The visit also included a tour of Tatu City, a 5,000-acre mixed-use Special Economic Zone located just outside Nairobi. Tatu City blends residential communities, business districts, schools, industrial zones, and recreational areas into a fully integrated urban ecosystem.
For Oyo State, which is pursuing a new cities agenda to manage urban growth and attract investment, Tatu City offers valuable reference points in planning, infrastructure delivery, governance models, and private sector participation. The guided tour and presentation, led by Mr. Musyoka George, Senior Adviser to the Governor of Nairobi, provided a close look at how a modern African city can be built from the ground up.
Technology and City Management
The Governor’s delegation also met with Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-PESA Africa, to explore partnerships for public sector digitalisation — an essential component for managing modern cities efficiently. By integrating mobile payment systems, digital governance, and tech-enabled services, new towns in Oyo State could become smarter, more inclusive, and economically competitive.
The Landlords’ Five Prescriptive Lessons from Tatu City
While the Governor’s visit focused on fostering partnerships and gathering inspiration, The Landlords identifies five actionable lessons from Tatu City’s model that could guide new towns development in Oyo State:
1. Special Economic Zones Attract Investors
SEZ status offers tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and dedicated infrastructure — a powerful magnet for investors. Oyo State could designate certain new towns as SEZs to fast-track private sector participation and industrial growth.
2. Integrated Land Use Creates Vibrant Communities
Blending residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational spaces ensures people can live, work, and play in the same area — reducing commute times and fostering self-sustaining communities.
3. Private Sector Partnerships Drive Speed and Quality
Strong public-private partnership models, as seen in Tatu City, reduce government burden and accelerate delivery — a model worth adapting for Nigeria’s urban hubs.
4. Infrastructure Comes First
Early investment in roads, power, water, and internet connectivity is key to attracting residents and businesses from the outset.
5. Smart Technology Improves City Management
Leveraging digital systems for security, utilities, and administration — including fintech solutions — is critical for efficient, responsive governance in modern cities.
The Big Picture: The Nairobi engagements highlight Oyo State’s commitment to creating sustainable, investment-friendly new towns. With visionary planning from government and evidence-based insights like these from The Landlords, the state can set a benchmark for modern African city building.
