posted October 14, 2023
The Managing Director of the Benin Enterprise Park, Mr. Ikponmwonsa Edward Osayande, has said the State Government is taking proactive steps to create a conducive environment for businesses and investors. By providing necessary infrastructure and support, the park aims to drive economic growth in Edo State and promote itself as an attractive destination for investment and business development.
Osayande, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, said the Benin Enterprise Park, which spans across five communities, is located in the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, is actively working to attract investors by providing them with essential infrastructure and amenities.
He stated that the total area of the park spans 997.71 hectares of land and is conceived as a multiple business enclave to fast-track the development and growth of the State’s economy.
Osayande said, the Benin Enterprise Park is designed to serve as an industrial park aimed at boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Edo State. It is envisioned as a hub for various businesses to foster economic development and employment opportunities.
” The park’s strategic location is equidistant from various parts of Edo State, including Delta State, making it well-positioned for both intra and interstate commerce.”
The government is actively involved in providing essential horizontal infrastructure such as electricity, water, security, and gas. These services are essential for attracting businesses and investors to the park.
“As a government, we have now decided to provide the horizontal infrastructure such that businesses will now come in and set up. We are committed to providing access to electricity, water, security and gas. With that, we can have a situation where we now bring in small to medium-scale businesses. They can come in and take parcels of land. That part of the policy is being developed.”
The Benin Enterprise Park is ready to welcome investors, and there are already two major anchor tenants in the pipeline. The goal is to expedite the transition from a greenfield site to a brownfield site, signifying its readiness for business operations.
“The idea is to get them in as quickly as possible. We have two major anchor tenants coming in already that we’re working with right now. So, we’re trying to get it from greenfield to brownfield as quickly as possible.”
The Managing Director emphasizes that once anchor tenants are established and have gone through the process of setting up their businesses, they will play a pivotal role in marketing the park and Edo State. Their experiences and success will serve as a testimonial to attract more businesses to the region.
In his words, “They are the ones that will sell Edo State once they come in after they have gone through the experience of trying to set up. So, when they come in, they will be the ones to do the marketing because they want everybody to know that this is where we are located now, in conjunction with the State.”