Enugu State Government has urged investors , especially those from the South East zone to invest in the state ,assuring a conducive business environment.
The state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah ,made the call ,while addressing the captains of industries during the Economic Roundtable held Friday, December 1, 2023 at Government Old Lodgeinvestnentb, G.R.A. Enugu.
He said ” Enugu is ready for business”. and has plan to grow the economy from $4.4 billion to $30billion .
He added that Chief Executives invited had distinguished themselves in their various endeavours . He disclosed that the State Government had inaugurated the investment network to interface with the Commissioner for Trade and Investment ,adding that the members of the network will be the State’s Ambassadors. Governor Mbah assured support for all who have business(es) already in Enugu.
” When we talk of investment, we understand that we must take action. We understand all the indicators of ease of doing business. We have already set up a One Stop Shop . Company registration, Business permit., Construction permit, building permit could now be gotten within Two weeks.” he said.
The Governor added that the state government had digitized the records and will in the next Six months, have all the Ministries,Departments and Agencies(MDAs) on e- payment..
He noted that there were still works to be done in the security space and water, adding that they will make sure they will provide security. He said already, 120 million litres were generated for daily water consumption in Enugu and there will be an expansion of the water network to areas yet to be covered.
Some Chief Executives had in their various speeches commended the State Government for their efforts in boosting the economy of the state. They commended the Governor for stopping the Mondays sit-at- home that had affected businesses and social life for more than Two years in the South East zone.
They also applauded the Governor for the water project he commissioned recently . They however ,raised some concerns on providing an enabling environent for businesses to thrive in the state.
Managing Director / Chief Executive of Peace Mass Transit and the proprietor of Mmaduka Onyishi University, Mmaduka Onyishi, spoke on the need for people to invest at home. He said he invested in the south East zone,, in Enugu and in his Community because he was made for his people.
” I am raised for South East . I am made for my people. God made me for my people. God blessed us for our brothers and sisters Why can’t we use what God has given us to help our people? When you have an investment around you, why can’t you develop your place? Onyeishi asked. He urged people of the South East to think home and invest in the zone.
On his part,the Managing Director / Chief Executive of COSCHARIS, Cosmas Mmaduka, spoke on creating an enabling environent for businesses. He said if opportunity presents itself, , he will be interested.
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ,South East zone observed challenges faced by the business community in Enugu state to include, mutiple taxation, , high cost of registration of business, among others .The zonal head urged the state Government to look into the issues
Others who spoke at the event were the Chief Executive Officer of JUHEL Nigeria Limited ,Ifeanyi Okoye, Emeka Eneh, among others.
The state Government had earlier presented some business opportunities in the state. They included transportation, sports and tourism, urging investors to invest in the state.
Author : Maureen Ikpeam