Abiodun shows readiness to MSMEs growth
Governor Dapo Abiodun
…supporting SMEs in reaching their full potential is vital for building a prosperous Africa.
The Special Adviser to Governor, Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun on Investment, Sola Arobieke, has stated that the Abiodun-led administration is committed to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the state.
The Special Adviser stated this in a statement signed by his media aide, Sesan Sodunke, on Sunday.
According to Arobieke, during a panel session at a two-day SMEs Development Workshop and Stakeholders’ Engagement Programme organised by African Export-Import Bank, Abiodun is leaving no stone unturned to improve on ease of doing business in the state.
She said the governor created access to finance, simplified land acquisition and registration of business premises as well as improving on necessary infrastructure within the state.
“Abiodun is said to be doing all of these to boost Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises growth in the state following closely on the template of Africa Export-Import Bank,” the statement read.
Arobieke, who doubles as the Deputy Director-General of Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, declared that the three-pronged approach of government on MSMEs had really boosted the economy and helped commerce, especially among the small business holders, which aligns with Afreximbank template on MSMEs growth.
She said, “Streamlined regulations, improved access to finance, and enhanced infrastructure have helped to empower local entrepreneurs and driven economic growth.
“OgunInvest is structured to provide One-Stop Investment Services (OSIS) and guidance on accessing tax incentives at both the Federal and State levels.”
Arobieke explained that the state government has also introduced initiatives such as revenue harmonisation and tax reforms to further streamline operations of MSMEs, adding that with the policies of government on tax reforms, Pay-As-You-Earn and other taxes can now be conveniently paid online.
The governor’s aide said that OgunInvest serves as a centralised hub for businesses entering the state explaining that “Our aim is to simplify the entrepreneurial process by providing streamlined access to land, permits, and essential Government services.
“The periodic CEO’s Breakfast Meeting with the Governor is designed to facilitate direct feedback and dialogue with stakeholders and investors.
“These meetings provide an open forum for business leaders to share insights and challenges, enabling the government to address concerns effectively, adapt its policies as needed, and continue its engagement with manufacturers acrossthe State.
“The Ogun State Business Environment Council helps to harmonise regulations across State and Local Government levels. It serves as a central authority, ensuring that there are no conflicting rules that burden Ogun State’s SMEs.
“Regular reviews of existing regulations also help in making informed recommendations that foster a more business-friendly landscape, ultimately empowering local entrepreneurs and driving economic development.
“There is the state Government’s Business Premises Portal, which reduces registration time. In addition, the period needed to obtain a construction permit has been cut from 51 days to 7 days for residential applications and 14 days for commercial ones.”
On his part, the Executive Vice-President of Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade and Export Development Division, Kanayo Awani, said that the bank is dedicated to fostering SME growth through more than just financing.
She acknowledged Afreximbank’s role in strengthening SMEs to produce competitive, export-grade products that meet global standards, thereby unlocking new trade opportunities and positioning local businesses for international expansion.
The founder of Woodhall Capital, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, said that supporting SMEs in reaching their full potential is vital for building a prosperous Africa.
