Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA) on Wednesday 15th November 2023 held a successful private sector consultation meeting for the presentation of the draft proposed 2024 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP).
At the event that took place at Dr Emeka Okwuosa Hall, ECCIMA House, GRA Enugu, the Managing Director /CEO of Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA) Dr. Sam Ogbu – Nwobodo started an opening remark by intimating the participatory organizations about the four-point agenda of the Executive Governor of Enugu State His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The four points agenda are anchored on transparency, disruptive innovation, optimal performance and participatory monitoring/ evaluation.
Dr. Sam Ogbu -Nwobodo who was a former Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry in Enugu State made it clear that the new government in Enugu State is interested in attracting investment to Enugu State and the participatory monitoring/ evaluation agenda including the other three agendas are all in line with the manifesto of the Executive Governor of Enugu State during the election campaigns in sequence to bringing economic development to Enugu State.
The Director General of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture ( ECCIMA), Nsukka Chamber of Commerce and leader of the 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce were all present during the presentation of the draft proposed 2024 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan ( BERAP)
Participatory organizations present during the event introduced themselves and registered their presence to participate actively in deliberating on the reform action plans targeted at making Enugu State the best State to think about in secured investment and ease of doing business.
MD ESIDA read the business enabling reform areas as contained in the draft Enugu State Business Enabling Reform Action Plan ( BERAP) – 2024 and declared the floor open for participatory reactions from the private sector organizations present in the event.
First in the BERAP is improved efficiency in property Registration and sustainability of the Land-based Investment process
Number two is improved regulatory framework for private investment in fibre optic infrastructure
Third, development of an effective Public Private Partnership ( PPP)
Number in the BERAP- 2024, improved investment promotion environment.
Fifth, improved transparency of official fees and procedures
Sixth, increased transparency of fees and levies for inter – State and increased Exporter certification
Number seven in the business enabling reform area is simplified State and Local Business tax regimes. Harmonization of demand notice for the payment of tax
Number eight is quick determination of commercial disputes.
Notable representatives of participatory organizations in the event drawn from the private sector made their remarks in necessary areas that need improvement and applauded the State Government for their efforts to create eco-friendly space for economic development in Enugu State.
Also present in the event is the former Local Government Chairman of Udenu Dr Godwin Abonyi.
In a closing remark, MD ESIDA Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the representatives of the participatory organizations for their time and sacrifice. He equally said that when the reform is adopted it will be made available for public consumption on the ESIDA website and other platforms. He noted that the incumbent Governor of Enugu State is coming from the private sector and understands the basic requirements and needs that are necessary for economic development.