Enugu State Government, through the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA), has successfully hosted its stakeholders’ engagement on the Enugu State Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP), on Wednesday, 4th December, 2024, at the Dr. Emeka Okwuosa Hall, ECCIMA House, Old Trade Fair Complex, Enugu.
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The event aimed to facilitate dialogue and collaborations amongst stakeholders from Organised Private Sectors including, private sector representatives, government agencies, and civil society groups.
Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority & State Focal Person on Ease of Doing Business and State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER)
In his opening remark, the Managing Director/CEO of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA) and State Focal Person on the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, emphasized the importance of the reforms in attracting investors into the state. He noted that the state government has already introduced business-friendly policies and consolidated Reforms already in use.
“The state government policy under His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah involving the creation of an enabling environment and policies for investors, will notably move the state forward. Aspiring for the best and the best for Enugu State will be the best for all individuals.” He also expressed satisfaction with the interactive sessions held with the program participants, assuring to include it on the Reform plans.
Ogbu-Nwobodo revealed that the state has introduced a consolidated demand notice system for payments. He explained that this consolidated demand notice which is already in use, will bring an end to multiple taxation etc., allowing people to make payments in one document and know exactly what they need to pay at the beginning of the year. Adding he said, “The state has not increased rates or taxes but has brought together all the fees. This move is expected to block leakages in the system and minimize tax evasion.”
Presentations on the 2025 Enugu State Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP), was anchored by State Consultant, Ease of Doing Business (EODB), and SABER; David Uzosike. He discussed varying efforts, challenges, and prospects for businesses in the state, noting that last year’s reforms enabled tremendous growths and improvements in the state’s business environment.
State Consultant, Ease of Doing Business (EODB), and SABER
Uzosike disclosed the governor’s efforts in various areas, including accessibility to information, improved efficiency in registration of property, simplified state and local business tax regimes, improved regulatory frameworks, effective public-private partnership framework development, investment promotion environment improvement, Enugu State investment incentives, increased transparency of official fees and procedures; fees and levies for inter-state trade, as well as, increased exporter certification to say the least.
Participant
Participants at the engagement appealed to the Enugu State government to intervene in areas such as subvention to producers, minimization of wanton taxation on businesses, regulation of shop rent fees, and address the issue of illegal tax collectors and their intimidations. Other participants, including Mrs. Ejim Lovelin Nnenna, a Rice and cassava farmer/processor, complained about the Ministry of Transport in regards to MOT personnel collecting Levies from transporters for not purchasing tickets in the morning hours. She said, “I fell victim to such and want to appeal to the state government to enlighten the public on this, so that they know about it and not be taken unawares.”
Engr. Nwafor and Comrade Odo Hyginus; also participants, commended the state government for the program and urged for more inputs towards achieving better results.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress
Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, Chairman; Nigeria Labour Congress, Enugu State Chapter, commended the organizers of the program and urged them to also include additional participants in future workshops. He noted that the reforms will boost the business community in the state, particularly the provided consolidated demand notice system, which will make payments more flexible and also allow for installmental payments.
Partners from the Bank of Industry and Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) exposed the opportunities inherent in partnering with the host organization.
The event was a wrap up with the closing remark of the Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Enugu Chapter, Barr. Fabian Nwigbo. A group photograph marked part of the highlights of the program.
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