To increase export readiness and promote Made-in-Edo products, the Edo State Government has drawn investments totaling more than $109 million and made it easier for 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to obtain Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) accreditation.
During an interview with journalists in Benin City, Mr. Amen Odigie, the Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, revealed this information while discussing the office’s performance in 2025 and outlining plans to increase investment facilitation in 2026.
According to Odigie, the NEPC certifications, which were obtained directly through the council’s Abuja headquarters, assisted in removing administrative obstacles and provided Edo-based agro-processing companies with access to foreign markets.
Among the accredited companies are Varli Foods Limited, Amineru Nigeria Enterprises Ltd, Fonwose Global Services Limited, Osimhe Ventures Ltd, Neo-Ritzy Ltd, JVV Food Limited, Usediameg Limited, P.P. International Foods Ltd, Gem Organic Foods, and Tamah Limited.Several of the investments are already in advanced stages and are anticipated to start operations shortly, he said, characterising the $109 million investment inflow recorded during the year under review as a clear sign of growing investor confidence in Edo State’s economic environment.
Zeta Autos is one of the projects mentioned; it is estimated to be worth around $3 million, and a site has been found and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed. Additionally, Odigie revealed that Presco Plc will contribute roughly $100 million in foreign direct investment to the state’s agriculture industry. He pointed out that attracting investment is a team effort that requires close coordination with pertinent Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. He also mentioned that businesses like Mandate, which was recently drawn to the state, are already collaborating with the Edo State Signage Agency to enable efficient operations.
The general director of ESIPO also disclosed that, in spite of logistical difficulties carried over from the previous administration, the agency provided over 170 aftercare services to current enterprises. He emphasised that aftercare is still essential to maintaining investor confidence and guaranteeing business continuity, saying that the discussions helped overcome important operational challenges that investors were encountering. Odigie praised Governor Okpebholo for his dedication to resolving issues facing the state’s businesses, guaranteeing that the government will continue to concentrate on bolstering MSMEs, assisting investors, and establishing Edo State as a top investment location.
