Benin City — The Edo State Government has convened exporters, business leaders, and policy experts to chart a clear roadmap for boosting economic growth, with a strong focus on expanding exports and attracting foreign exchange. The meeting, held in Benin City, brought together stakeholders to discuss how the state can better position itself in the global market.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by senior government officials, emphasized that Edo is strategically positioned to become a hub for agro-processing and export activities. With its fertile land, youthful population, and growing industrial base, the state sees opportunities in cocoa, oil palm, cassava, and other non-oil sectors.
Stakeholders at the forum stressed the importance of modern storage, logistics, and regulatory support to meet international standards. Exporters also raised concerns about bottlenecks such as poor infrastructure, high costs of certification, and limited access to affordable financing.
The Edo Export Initiative, launched at the meeting, is expected to serve as a framework to harmonize state policies, link farmers to exporters, and connect Edo’s economy to regional and global markets. Business associations pledged their support, while the state government assured that it would continue to pursue reforms that enhance competitiveness and encourage investment.
