The Edo State Government says it is intensifying collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as part of broader efforts to strengthen the state’s investment climate, improve regulatory efficiency and attract new investments.
Speaking after the PEBEC Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement Tour in Benin on Tuesday, the Edo State Commissioner for Business, Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Omoh Anabor, said the engagement reinforced the state’s ongoing reform agenda and provided an opportunity to align with national initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and expanding investment.
According to Anabor, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to implementing policies capable of removing business bottlenecks and creating a more investor-friendly environment.
He noted that presentations made during the engagement showed that several initiatives being promoted by PEBEC at the federal level already align with reforms introduced by the Edo State Government in areas including trade development, investment facilitation and digital commerce.
As part of the reforms, he disclosed that the state government had engaged the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to harmonise tax administration through a unified payment platform and a single tax code framework.
According to him, the initiative is expected to address concerns over multiple taxation, simplify tax compliance and create a more transparent system for businesses operating within the state.
“When investors see a transparent and harmonised tax structure, it gives them confidence because they are assured of a predictable business environment and are protected from multiple taxation,” he said.
“The engagement has provided us with greater clarity and direction. We have identified our strengths and will continue to implement strategic measures that will attract investments and drive sustainable economic development across the state,” he added.
Earlier, the Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, said the council’s second nationwide engagement was initiated to deepen ease-of-doing-business reforms at the subnational level and ensure that reform efforts are sustained beyond political transitions.
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