The Edo State Government has facilitated Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) certification for 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of efforts to boost export readiness and promote Made-in-Edo goods. The Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Amen Odigie, disclosed this during a media interaction with journalists in Benin City while highlighting the office’s major achievements in 2025 and outlining plans for 2026.
Odigie explained that the certification process was handled directly through the NEPC Headquarters in Abuja, a move he said helped to bypass bureaucratic bottlenecks and open global market access for Edo-based agro-processing businesses. “This intervention has unlocked international opportunities for our local enterprises and positioned them to compete effectively beyond Nigeria,” he said.
He listed the beneficiaries of the certification exercise as Tamah Limited, Fonwose Global Services Limited, Amineru Nigeria Enterprises Ltd, Osimhe Ventures Ltd, Neo-Ritzy Ltd, JVV Food Limited, Usediameg Limited, P. P. International Foods Ltd, Gem Organic Foods, and Varli Foods Limited. According to him, the initiative aligns with the State Government’s broader strategy of strengthening MSMEs and increasing non-oil exports.
The ESIPO boss also disclosed that Edo State attracted over $109 million of investments within the year under review, describing the figure as evidence of rising investor confidence in the State’s business environment. He noted that several investments announced by the government were already at advanced stages and expected to commence operations soon.
Citing specific projects, Odigie said Zeta Autos, valued at $3 million, has secured a proposed site with a memorandum of understanding already signed. He further revealed that Presco PLC is set to inject about $100 million in Foreign Direct Investment into the State’s agriculture sector, adding that the development would significantly support agribusiness growth.
Odigie noted that investment attraction is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). He referenced Mandate as one of the businesses recently attracted to the State and said it is already working with the Edo State Signage Agency to facilitate its operations.
He also revealed that ESIPO delivered over 170 aftercare services to existing businesses despite logistical challenges inherited from the previous administration. “Many operational concerns raised by investors were resolved through these engagements,” he said, stressing that aftercare remains central to sustaining investor confidence.
Odigie commended Sen. Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to resolving challenges, assuring that the administration is focused on supporting MSMEs.
