The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, in collaboration with the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA), on Thursday hosted the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Townhall and Stakeholders’ Engagement at Hotel Presidential, Enugu.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders from the Organised Private Sector (OPS), business associations, investors, development partners, and government institutions to assess ongoing business environment reforms, identify regulatory challenges, and chart practical pathways for improving the ease of doing business in Enugu State.
Speaking during the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, commended PEBEC and stakeholders for their constructive contributions and valuable insights on the progress of reforms and the challenges facing businesses in the state.
He assured participants that recommendations and concerns raised by the private sector would be carefully documented and transformed into actionable policies and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening Enugu’s investment climate and advancing the state’s ambitious vision of building a $30 billion economy.
Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo emphasized that the Ease of Doing Business agenda remains a top priority across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the leadership of Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, noting that the administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports enterprise growth, attracts investments, and generates sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
Also addressing the gathering, the Managing Director of ESIDA, Dr. Kenechukwu Nnamani, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering a competitive and investor-friendly ecosystem through continuous reforms, improved institutional efficiency, digital innovation, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
Leading the PEBEC delegation, Mr. Gabriel Ohiemi commended participants for their active involvement and encouraged members of the Organised Private Sector to openly share their experiences and concerns regarding the state’s business climate. According to him, stakeholder feedback remains critical to shaping reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s business environment and enhance its global competitiveness.
The event was attended by Commissioners and heads of Business Enabling Environment (BEE) Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie; Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Ben Collins Ndu Jnr.; Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr. Felix Nnamani; Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Obi Ozo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Uburu; Managing Director of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ekene Nnamani; Managing Director of the Enugu State Geographic Information Systems (ENGIS), Prince Chiwetalu Nwatu; and the State Surveyor-General, Surv. Justus Chime.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Obiajulu Ugwu; Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Trade, Investment and Industry, Budget and Planning, Works and Infrastructure, and Lands; as well as the Lead of the Enugu Jobs Centre, Nnenna Nnamani.
Representatives of the Organised Private Sector also addressed the forum, including the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe; President of the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Barr. Sam Otoboeze; President of the 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Surv. L.C.K. Ugwu; and the Group Managing Director of COPEN Group, Rev. Ugo Chime.
The private sector leaders commended the Enugu State Government for implementing business-friendly reforms and for creating an inclusive platform that enables meaningful private sector participation in shaping policies that enhance the state’s investment and business climate.
The townhall forms part of PEBEC’s nationwide stakeholder engagement initiative designed to strengthen public-private dialogue, identify reform priorities, and accelerate interventions that improve Nigeria’s business environment, drive economic growth, and enhance national competitiveness.
Signed
Lucy Harry-Enwu
For: Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry / Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA)