Legislative Framework for Oyo Artisans Fails to Materialize as Makinde’s First Term Concludes

As the first term concluded in May 2023, the administration’s interaction with the artisanal sector remained focused on political mobilization and direct empowerment rather than policy reform. 

During the 2023 Workers’ Day celebrations and various campaign stops, the Governor praised artisans for "oiling the wheels of the state economy," but no mention was made of the stalled legislative proposal. By the end of the term, the artisanal groups remained governed by traditional association rules rather than a state-backed formalization law.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, the government's efforts were centered on "tax net expansion" rather than "formalization." While the Board of Internal Revenue attempted to capture more informal workers into the tax system, this was done under existing revenue laws rather than a new bill designed to "formalize" their broader relationship with the state. 

The transition from "informal" to "formal" through a dedicated bill remained an unaddressed item on the administration's agenda as the 2019–2023 mandate expired.