Osun Speaker, firm’s CEO advocate coordinated taxation for startups

September 13, 2026 by Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

Osun Speaker, firm’s CEO advocate coordinated taxation for startups

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the Chief Executive Officer of O3 Drive, Jimi Oyinlola, have called for a coordinated and predictable taxation regime for startups and businesses operating in the ride-hailing sector.

They made the call in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, at the launch of O3 Drive, an indigenous technology-driven ride-hailing company.

In his address, Egbedun said the House of Assembly would be willing to support the sector with legislation capable of creating a conducive environment for startups to operate and grow.

He said the harmonisation of taxation undertaken by the state government in 2024 had reduced the stress associated with tax compliance for business owners.

The Speaker said the emergence of O3, the ride-hailing company, was significant beyond its commercial value, particularly for its potential to create employment opportunities for young people.

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He also said improved transportation services could support tourism in the state by facilitating movement for visitors to cultural and tourist attractions.

Egbedun congratulated Oyinlola and the people of Osun on the launch, while commending Governor Ademola Adeleke for what he described as an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The Speaker assured the company and others operating in the sector that the Assembly was open to supporting the industry through appropriate legislation.

Oyinlola, however, urged governments and regulatory agencies at all levels to establish a clearer and more coordinated framework for taxation and regulation of ride-hailing businesses.

He said operators were not opposed to paying lawful taxes or complying with regulations, but needed a system that was “clear, predictable, coordinated and sustainable.”

Oyinlola said the reported exit of Uber from Nigeria should prompt government and industry stakeholders to review the regulatory environment governing ride-hailing operations.

He called for regular engagement between government and operators on taxation, licensing, vehicle standards, insurance, driver welfare, security and other regulatory requirements.

According to him, businesses should be able to know what they are expected to pay and comply with without facing overlapping or unpredictable demands from different government agencies.

The O3 Drive CEO also urged the government to encourage indigenous mobility companies, saying local operators had a better understanding of the peculiarities of Nigerian cities, roads, the economy and the people.

He said the company, which commenced operations in Osogbo, planned to expand beyond Osun State.

Oyinlola said the company would provide different mobility options while prioritising passenger safety through driver verification, professionalism, responsible driving and a customer feedback system.

He said the feedback mechanism would allow passengers to rate their experiences, report concerns and make suggestions.