Edo State collaborate with UNDP on Investment Promotion push

By Our Reporter

The Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, has praised the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for its commitment to strengthening investment promotion capacity in Nigerian states evidenced in the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) programme.

During a meeting with UNDP officials in Abuja, Uwaibi emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership, which began in 2023 and supports 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 (LGAs); investor inquiry and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) portals and a comprehensive business directory.

These initiatives aim to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) towards addressing climate change, energy, food security, job creation, trade and investment, and fashion sectors in Edo State. Aligning with UNDP’s vision of mobilizing private sector resources for sustainable development, Uwaibi highlighted 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 (INFF), a collaborative effort between UNDP and government agencies to attract private investments for sustainable development. At the sub-national level, INFF facilitates similar resource mobilization efforts, as exemplified by the collaboration between ESIPO and UNDP in Edo State.

Participants in the meeting included Fatima Umar (SGD Finance Analyst, UNDP), Precious Akanonu (National Economist, UNDP), Clare Henshaw, Programme Specialist UNDP, and Joyce Oburu Partnership/Programme Associate and Henry Oqua, Communications Director for ESIPO.