The Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat has concluded a two-day peer learning session with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Secretariat. The event aimed to enhance the state’s business environment and foster a more conducive climate for businesses to thrive.
The day one was an engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government while day two was with the private sector players, which focused on reviewing and validating the Edo State Business Environment Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) for 2025 and it was supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ SEDIN).
Speaking to journalists on the key takeaways from the engagement, the Managing Director Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Kelvin Uwaibi, noted that the session focused on identifying and resolving key challenges faced by businesses in the Edo.
According to him, “The key highlights of the technical session with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Secretariat, and the private sector include electricity, infrastructure, market access, and security.
“Resolving electricity issues as a government, our decision is to collaborate with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) to address tariff concerns and improve electricity supply.
“On enhancing security, the government will work with relevant authorities to address security concerns, including the impact of disbanded vigilante groups on businesses as discussed. On infrastructure, the private sector has urged the government to prioritize infrastructure development and ensure quality delivery through effective contractor monitoring.
“On developing human capital, Edo State, with a significant youth population of 68 percent aims to invest more in skills development to create a skilled workforce and potentially export talent.
‘’On strengthening communication, ESIPO will increase its outreach efforts to better connect with businesses and address their concerns,” Uwaibi noted.
In her comments, Hussaina AbdulKadir, Senior Reform Leader at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Secretariat, emphasized the council’s commitment to supporting Edo State’s reform efforts.
She noted: “PEBEC will continue to support Edo State in implementing federal-level reforms at the state level. We will leverage peer learning and provide technical assistance to improve the state’s ease of doing business environment beyond the ranking. We are dedicated to ensuring that Edo State adopts best practices and benefits from the experiences of other states.”
Representatives from the private sector, including Rev Lugard Ekhosuehi Micheal (President of the Agricultural Machines Fabricators Association of Nigeria, AMEFAN), Andrew Odihi-Ogiamien (President of NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, Edo State), and Lucky Amachree, Executive Secretary of the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) Edo Delta Branch, actively participated in the discussions and provided valuable insights.
With the critical engagement, putting more efforts in addressing issues while fostering a collaborative approach between the government and the private sector, Edo State aims to create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
