By Paul Nwosu
It shall no longer be business as usual in Anambra State. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, has shifted into top gear the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Anambra, and the goal is to move Anambra from No. 7 to No. 1 in EoDB ranking in the country for all indicators. This will undoubtedly further leverage the right kind of investment ambience that would imbue prospective investors with the confidence to invest in Anambra State.
The Ease of Doing Business project which was launched back in 2002 and cascaded to the subnational levels in 2017 has been given a new lease of life by Governor Soludo to provide quantitative indicators on regulation for starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. This also measures features of employing workers.
In a bid to step up Anambra State Ease of Doing Business, Governor Soludo has with the consent of the Anambra State Executive Council issued six (6) Executive Orders.
On 2nd November, 2023, Governor Soludo issued the Executive Order: “ (1) To expand broadband infrastructure for accelerated socioeconomic development of the State. Right of Way (RoW) charges pegged at N145 (one hundred and forty naira) per linear metre by the National Communications Council (NCC) is now reduced to zero naira per linear meter in Anambra State. (2) Pursuant to Section 135 of Nigerian Communications Act, 2023 and in the exercise of the State Government powers over the Rights of Way (ROW) within the State, the Anambra State Physical Planning Board shall be responsible for RoW and shall accordingly receive applications or requests for approval for installation, placing, installing or maintenance of any telecommunications network facilities from any licensee operator.”
Governor Soludo, on 6th November 2023, issued the Executive Order that: “An upgraded Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) System is established to ensure effective reporting and management of governance-related issues.”
On November 10th, 2023, he issued the Executive Order to wit: “The Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA) in Anambra State is established as an Agricultural Principle.” The FRILIA Principles is intended to improve globally, the attractiveness of Anambra State for land-based investments, facilitate investments that ensure food security as well as ensure commercial yield for investors.
The Governor also signed an Executive Order of the 13th of November, 2023 directing that all Fees, Procedures, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Grievances Redress Mechanisms (GRMs), Advance Communication Rules to Individuals, Firms or Companies and Contact Information (phone and email) shall be published on Anambra State official website(s) by the following nominated Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs):
- Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA)
- Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA)
- Ministry of Power and Water Resources
- Ministry of Transport
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Another one was issued on 16th November 2023 stating that: “The Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) now stands as a one-stop shop for all investments in the State.”
Governor Soludo issued the final Executive Order on 17th November, 2023 that: “ (1)The State shall adopt Presumptive Turnover Tax Regime for small businesses and Consumption Tax for Hospitality businesses. (2) The State shall adopt a merger of State and Local Government Taxes and Levies relating to the following Revenue Fields: a) Fire Service; b) Stallage; c) Sanitation and d) Business Premises.”
With the laudable Executive Orders by Governor Soludo, Anambra State is poised to creating the much needed atmosphere for investors and their investments to thrive.
*SIR PAUL NWOSU*
Commissioner for Information
Anambra State
