Edo intensifies business reforms, partners PEBEC to attract investments

The Edo State Government has said that it was strengthening collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as part of efforts to improve the state’s investment climate, enhance regulatory efficiency and attract new investments.

The initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to position Edo as a more competitive investment destination through reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and creating a more predictable environment for investors.

Speaking after the PEBEC Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement Tour in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Omoh Anabor, said the engagement reinforced the state’s ongoing reform agenda and provided an opportunity to align with national initiatives designed to drive economic growth and investment expansion.

Anabor said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remained committed to implementing policies that would remove business bottlenecks and create a more investor-friendly environment.

He noted that discussions during the engagement showed that several initiatives being promoted by PEBEC at the federal level already aligned with reforms introduced by Edo State in areas such as trade development, investment facilitation and digital commerce.

According to him, the state has already introduced measures aimed at simplifying business operations and strengthening investor confidence.

As part of the reforms, he said the government had engaged the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to harmonise tax administration through a unified payment platform and a single tax code framework.

He explained that the initiative was expected to address concerns surrounding multiple taxation, simplify tax compliance and establish a more transparent system for businesses operating in the state.

“When investors see a transparent and harmonised tax structure, it gives them confidence because they are assured of a predictable business environment and are protected from multiple taxation,” he said.

Anabor further said that the engagement provided the state with an opportunity to reassess its investment priorities and identify sectors with stronger growth potential.

He added that Edo would leverage its comparative advantages in agriculture, cultural heritage and other strategic sectors as part of efforts to attract investments, create jobs and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

“The engagement has provided us with greater clarity and direction. We have identified our strengths and will continue to implement strategic measures that will attract investments and drive sustainable economic development across the state,” he said.

Earlier, Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, said the council’s second nationwide engagement was initiated to deepen ease-of-doing-business reforms at the subnational level and ensure that such reforms are sustained beyond political transitions.

Audu noted that reform efforts in many states had historically struggled to achieve long-term impact due to weak continuity following changes in administration.

“What we have discovered over time is that many of these initiatives are not sustained, and the same issues continue to emerge across states,” she said.