The Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office, Kelvin Uwaibi, has praised the United Nations Development Programme for its commitment to strengthening investment promotion capacity in Nigeria.
During a meeting with UNDP officials in Abuja on Wednesday, Uwaibi emphasised the importance of the ongoing partnership, which began in 2023 and supported ESIPO with investment promotion and the Edo State Government’s One-Stop-Shop initiative.
Seeking further collaboration, Uwaibi outlined several initiatives planned for 2024, including digital tools for entrepreneurs to enhance market access; customer-facing investment desks in all local government areas investor inquiry and Corporate Social Responsibility portals and a comprehensive business directory.
According to Uwaibi, these initiatives aim to attract foreign direct investment, towards addressing climate change, energy, food security, job creation, trade and investment, and fashion sectors in Edo State.
He noted that that aligned with UNDP’s vision of mobilising private sector resources for sustainable development.
He restated the state’s commitment to strengthening the business environment and creating a conducive atmosphere for investors.
The meeting also highlighted the Integrated National Financing Framework, a collaborative effort between UNDP and government agencies to attract private investments for sustainable development.
He said, “I must praise the United Nations Development Programme for its commitment to strengthening investment promotion capacity in Nigerian states in general and Edo State in particular.
“The investment promotion is evidenced in the Integrated National Financing Framework programme. There are several initiatives planned for 2024, including digital tools for entrepreneurs to enhance market access; customer-facing investment desks in all Local Government Areas investor inquiry and Corporate Social Responsibility portals and a comprehensive business directory.”
Participants in the meeting included SGD Finance Analyst, UNDP, Fatima Umar; National Economist, UNDP, Precious Akanonu; Programme Specialist UNDP, Clare Henshaw; Partnership/Programme Associate, Joyce Oburu and Communications Director for ESIPO, Henry Oqua.
