By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Government has facilitated the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) certification for 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a landmark move aimed at boosting export readiness and promoting Made-in-Edo goods.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Mr. Amen Odigie, disclosed this during a media interaction with journalists in Benin City while highlighting the office’s major achievements in 2025 and expressing readiness to intensify investment facilitation efforts in 2026.
Odigie explained that the certification, processed directly through the NEPC headquarters in Abuja, removed bureaucratic bottlenecks and unlocked global market access for Edo-based agro-processing enterprises.
The beneficiaries 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 further revealed that the state attracted over $109 million worth of investments within the year under review, describing it as a strong indication of growing investor confidence in Edo State’s business environment.
He explained that several investments announced by the state government are already in advanced stages and expected to commence soon.
He cited Zeta Autos as one of such projects, valued at about $3 million, noting that a proposed site has been identified and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed.
He also disclosed that Presco PLC is set to inject about $100 million in Foreign Direct Investment into Edo State’s agriculture sector.
Odigie поted that investment attraction is a collective responsibility involving collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He referenced Mandate as one of the businesses recently attracted to the state, adding that it is already working closely with the Edo State Signage Agency to facilitate its operations.
He further revealed that ESIPO has delivered over 170 aftercare services to existing businesses, despite logistical challenges inherited from the previous administration.
According to him, many operational concerns affecting investors were addressed through these engagements, stressing that aftercare remains a key component of the office’s mandate and vital to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring business continuity.
Odigie commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to resolving 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.
