BENIN CITY: The Edo State Government has attracted investments valued at over $109 million and facilitated Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) certification for 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a move aimed at boosting export readiness and promoting Made-in-Edo products.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Mr Amen Odigie, disclosed this during a media interaction with journalists in Benin City while reviewing the office’s performance in 2025 and outlining plans to scale up investment facilitation in 2026.
Odigie said the NEPC certifications, processed directly through the council’s headquarters in Abuja, helped to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and opened international market opportunities for Edo-based agro-processing businesses.
The certified firms include Tamah Limited, Fonwose Global Services Limited, Amineru Nigeria Enterprises Ltd, Osimhe Ventures Ltd, Neo-Ritzy Ltd, JVV Food Limited, Usediameg Limited, P.P. International Foods Ltd, Gem Organic Foods, and Varli Foods Limited.
He described the $109 million investment inflow recorded during the year under review as a strong indication of growing investor confidence in Edo State’s business environment, adding that several of the investments are already at advanced stages and expected to commence operations soon.
Among the projects cited is Zeta Autos, valued at about $3 million, for which a site has been identified and a Memorandum of Understanding signed. Odigie also disclosed that Presco Plc is set to inject about $100 million in foreign direct investment into the state’s agriculture sector.
He noted that investment attraction is a collective effort involving close collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, adding that companies such as Mandate, recently attracted to the state, are already working with the Edo State Signage Agency to facilitate smooth operations.
The ESIPO managing director further revealed that the office delivered over 170 aftercare services to existing businesses despite logistical challenges inherited from the previous administration.
He said the engagements helped resolve key operational issues facing investors, stressing that aftercare remains central to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring business continuity.
Odigie commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to addressing challenges confronting businesses in the state, assuring that the administration remains focused on strengthening MSMEs, supporting investors and positioning Edo State as a preferred destination for investment.
