TheCable

The Edo state government says infrastructure are being put in place for investors to have access to “untapped” business opportunities. 

In a statement on Monday, Patrick Uanseru, Edo commissioner of business, trade, and cooperatives, described the state as a meeting point for arts, culture and business in Nigeria.

The commissioner said Edo is the 22nd largest state in Nigeria in terms of landmass which presents a minefield of opportunities for various industries.

Speaking on the state’s business potential, Uanseru said: “There are several sectors that offer significant opportunities such as the area of haulage, palm produce, renewable energy, arts and culture, mining of natural resources, urban merchandising, oil palm business, tourism, and hospitality.”

“Edo state is known as the food basket of Nigeria due to its agricultural resources, despite being the official heartbeat of the nation.”

On ease of doing business in Edo, Uanseru said the government is making efforts to promote business and youth involvement in the digital economy. 

He said the state has made infrastructure investments in fibre optics and innovation hubs, adding that there are also plans for a tech fair to showcase innovations and attract investment. 

On safety and security, Uanseru assured that Edo  is “relatively safe”.

“The government is proactively addressing security issues and investing in security gadgets and monitoring systems to ensure the safety of residents and businesses,” he said.

While speaking on market potential in the state, Uanseru said the ongoing development of the Benin City Mall and the Edo port is to attract more investments.

He also said the Benin industrial park has drawn interest from companies, and the Ossiomo power plant provides reliable energy to industrial areas.

“The government is making efforts to create a coastal town in the Gelegele area in order to attract companies, particularly in the fertiliser blending industry and infrastructure projects like the Ossiomo Independent Power Plant, to provide energy and attract investors,” he said. 

The commissioner said the state government, through the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, is actively promoting various sectors, investing in infrastructure, and creating a conducive environment for business growth. 

Uanseru also said Obaseki is working with the ministry of arts, culture, and tourism to promote arts and culture and attract events similar to the Calabar carnival.