…Document is first ever in Nigeria – Uwaibi
By Abdullah Abdul-Kadir
In its continuous effort to boost the business enabling environment in the State, the Edo State Government through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat has launched the Edo State Ease of Doing Business and State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Guide Book.
The launch took place during the Edo State Ease of Doing Business Council High-level Session in Benin City, the state capital with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN) through its Pro-Poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria.
The event which was witnessed by members of the Edo State Ease of Doing Business Council; Heads of Local Governments and representatives of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) among others, had the theme: “Prioritizing Business Enabling Environment Reforms to Enhance Productivity and Inclusive Growth in Edo State.”
In his opening remark, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, Economic Planning and Development and Chairman of the Edo State Ease of Doing Business Council, Joseph Eboigbe, noted that the essence of the guide book is to ensure that the business environment facilitates businesses.
“This guide book is to coordinate, facilitate and direct our tasks within the ease of doing business environment,” he said.
According to him, “Businesses are struggling, hence the Governors came together to enhance the business environment because if businesses do not succeed and thrive, the few people who are already employed will be laid off.
“So, there are deliberate efforts now targeted at removing all the obstacles that impede the success of businesses in our environment. It’s important we make deliberate attempts to make the business environment friendly both for large and especially the small businesses.
“Now, for those who are probably in the economic side of things, you will see that the businesses that form the huge part of the economy are small businesses. About 60-70 % of businesses that inform our GDP comes from micro and small businesses.
“Beyond that, we want to increase our IGR. It is very critical at the local government councils. Local Government Heads, you will begin to see positive outcomes on the finances at the local government councils when we start our implementation on the ease of doing business reforms. So, we need to work together”
On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Mr. kelvin Uwaibi, who is the Secretary to the Edo State Ease of Doing Business Council, said that the government is committed to ensuring that the business environment is enabled, adding that the guide book being launched is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
According to him, “we want a situation where you have to master it as you go along. Looking at the different metrics, looking at the DLIs, even at the local government level you will know what to do because for us in Edo State, it is not just about the ranking.
“It is about actually ensuring the State is the preferred investment destination. The next ranking will be done this year. We want to see Edo State top the ranking”
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Engr. Okojie Nosawe Newton, also shared their thoughts on the government’s efforts towards boosting the business environment in the State.
The Edo State Coordinator, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN), Blessing Ajimoti, said: “Under this partnership, the SEDIN program is supporting the Ease of Doing Business Secretariats in its focal States in their bid to reform the development and implementation of the institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks toward the impalement of the business enabling environment in the States.
This is particularly important in fostering a conducive environment for MSME development and investment facilitation in terms of improved procedures, costs and time in the interactions between MSMEs and investors and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.”
