Ebonyi Pushes Bold Reforms to Improve Ease of Doing Business
By Ugo Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government says it has rolled out sweeping reforms and policy innovations to create a more business-friendly environment, with special focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and attracting investors.
Speaking in Abakaliki, Dr. Stephen Odo the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA) and State Focal Person for the Ease of Doing Business Council said the agency, created in July 2023 as the first law of the current administration, is mandated to “encourage the growth of enterprise, support businesses, and ensure the MSME sector enjoys positive influence from government to survive and thrive.”
The Ease of Doing Business Council, chaired by the Deputy Governor, works closely with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to address bottlenecks that hinder business operations. Members include key commissioners and heads of agencies responsible for finance, commerce, ICT, and justice.
Explaining the concept, the DG said: “Ease of doing business simply means making it easier for businesses to thrive from access to credit, friendly tax regimes, and reliable power supply, to clear land administration processes and effective grievance redress mechanisms.”
Among the reforms introduced in the last two years are: Eight executive orders on public-private partnerships, investment promotion, grievance redress, and responsible land-intensive agriculture. Creation of Small Claims Courts in Afikpo, Onueke, and Abakaliki to handle debt cases of up to ₦10 million without the need for a lawyer, with a three-month disposal time. Amendment of revenue laws to address complaints on taxation and make tax administration seamless. ₦1 billion loan facility from the Bank of Industry for MSMEs, in addition to World Bank-supported grants and financial aid to thousands of small businesses. Free CAC registration and export license for qualifying businesses to boost export-oriented production.
The state according to him has also launched its flagship “Industriosity” programme, designed to tackle unemployment, close the skill gap, and reduce poverty by training youths and funding startups.
Other initiatives according to Odo include the “From Street to Shop” scheme, which disbursed ₦2 million each to 500 beneficiaries, and agricultural training for Ebonyians in Enugu with financial support upon completion.
The DG noted that Ebonyi currently ranks 23rd nationally on the ease of doing business index, adding that the government is determined to climb higher by sustaining reforms and ensuring security for investors.
“Ebonyi remains one of the safest states in the Southeast,” he said. “You can drive around at any hour without fear of harassment or kidnapping. That’s a strong selling point for attracting investment.”
