The Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, on Wednesday, commended the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for its commitment to strengthening investment promotion capacity in Nigerian states through the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) programme.
Uwaibi who spoke in a meeting with UNDP officials said several initiatives planned for 2024, including digital tools for entrepreneurs, are 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 solicited for further collaboration
According to him, 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.
While maintaining that with the UNDP’s vision of mobilizing private sector resources for sustainable development, Uwaibi stressed 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,” Uwaibi said.
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.
