OGUN INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT

 OGUN INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO IMPROVE  ENVIRONMENT

 The Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is intensifying efforts to ensure the State improves on processes that will allow entrepreneurs operate their businesses and other related issues without hindrances.

Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe made this known while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, stating that government has been implementing various guidelines on the Ease of Doing Business as stipulated by the World Bank.

Mrs. Longe noted that the State is implementing a deliberate and systematic strategy to improve its Ease of Doing Business ranking through establishment of Ogun State Business Environment Council (OGBEC), Ogun Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OGUNINVEST) and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) office, adding that government had also set up different technical working groups, to look into registration of properties, payment of taxes, and enforcement of contracts.

She said the Ministry would commence the computerisation of Business Premises Permit and Registration payments to make it easier for businesses operating in the State.

"The Ministry is automating some of its process to make it more convenient for investors, while the other technical working groups are implementing the requirements of the World Bank, because our focus is to improve on our rating and become number one in the 'Starting a business' indicator of the ranking", the Commissioner said.

The Commissioner noted that these efforts at creating enabling environment for investors was already yielding results, as more investors have commenced operations, while some existing businesses have been expanding despite the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs. Longe who stated that provision of infrastructural projects of the present administration has significantly attracted investors, said the government through its agreement with reputable service providers was addressing the issue of electricity in a sustainable way, adding that it had carried out a power audit to identify quantity and areas of need.