Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Kelvin Uwaibi, said on Tuesday that Edo State is the first state in Nigeria to set up a Business Information Portal (BIP) to enable ease of doing business in the state.

Uwaibi disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council in Benin.

He said Nigeria’s first BIP, an innovative digital platform that enables businesses to access support services, enhance visibility through a business directory, and communicate directly with government offices on critical issues, is supported by GIZ.

He added that the Godwin Obaseki-led government has repositioned the state workforce by centralising Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as streamlining interactions.

Uwaibi noted that by relocating all MDAs, especially those directly involved in business interactions, the government aims to significantly reduce the stress and inconvenience that businesses previously faced when dealing with scattered government agencies.

According to him, centralisation fosters better communication and collaboration among MDAs, leading to more efficient and coordinated service delivery.

He added that the centralisation of MDAs will improve accessibility, enhance coordination, and promote transparency.

“In addition to the One-Stop-Shop, the Edo State Government is actively working to centralise MDAs within a single location. The renovation of Blocks A, B, and D, as well as the construction of Block C and Treasury House, within the same Secretariat, are key components of this effort.

“Businesses can more easily access government services and officials, reducing the time, cost, and effort required for interactions.

“By bringing MDAs together, the government can enhance transparency and accountability, building trust and confidence among businesses,” Uwaibi said.