The Edo State Government has said that it was taking concrete steps to creating more attractive and supportive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
Kevin Uwaibi, managing director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat stated this at the second quarter of 2024 Ease of doing business council strategy review meeting in Benin.
Uwaibi, who is also the secretary of the Edo State EoDB Council, said the meeting was attended by representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as GIZ SEDIN, a development partner.
He noted that series of reforms aimed at boosting the business climate and attracting investments were outlined at the event.
He opined that the reforms are expected to stimulate economic growth and attract investment to Edo State.
The meeting chaired by Adaze Aguele-Kalu, commissioner for Finance, who is also the EoDB council chairman, reviewed the existing policies and achievements as well as unveiled new pro-business reforms for 2024.
Uwaibi said, as part of efforts in building a stronger business ecosystem, the EoDB Council outlined series of resolutions to further enhance the business environment.
He listed the reforms to include evaluating business challenges facing the MDAs in order to improve service delivery and streamline processes, expediting
the passage of business-friendly bills and policies, enhancing information sharing and communication through the EoDB platform.
The Managing Director, ESIPO, also listed organising stakeholder roundtables and information sessions to improve communication with businesses.
Others are providing access to electricity for MSMEs, revising tax harmonisation policies, encouraging collaboration between MDAs, local government areas, and other stakeholders; and strengthening internal and inter-ministerial collaboration.
He explained that commissioners of ministries, and Heads of Departments and Agencies that attended the strategy meeting gave various presentations on plans to creating more attractive and supportive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
