Poised to improve the ease of doing business in Edo State, the state government has developed a 90-day actionable plan to make the state more conducive for business and attract investment.

The Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City.

He said the new action plan highlights the role of key stakeholders involved in the ease of doing business ecosystem both in the public and private sector, identifying performance metrics for implementing MDA’s, governance structure for handling ease of doing business reforms and implementing the operating model.

Uwaibi said some of the initiatives which Edo State have put in place to make businesses thrive include the ongoing institutional reforms as well as the easy access to electricity supply from Ossiomo Power Company; improvement in road infrastructure and the inauguration of the small claims court.

He added that some of the other initiatives are the “Open-Door Court House to fast-track resolution of commercial disputes, while the Edo State Skills Acquisition Centre (EDOJOBS) addresses human capacity challenges. The Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA) has ensured transparency in public procurements while the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), ensures a seamless investment process.

“Through the Edo State Geographical Information System (EDOGIS), land management has been liberalized. It is very easy to get your Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) and the Edo Production Center is there to assist the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.”

Uwaibi said an empirical field survey on the subnational ease of doing business was conducted by KPMG professional services between November 2020 and January 2021 and that the result was said to be a reflection of the perspective of the private sector, noting that Edo is keen on having its metrics captured.