By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
Ondo State Government has reaffirmed commitment to the policy initiative of Ease of Doing Business aimed at attracting more investors and driving industrial development across the state.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide, made this known while hosting the management team of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) in his office in Akure.
In a statement made available to Weekend Hope by the Director of information in the Ministry, Williams Oni, the Commissioner reiterated the unwavering resolve of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration to remove every bottleneck capable of delaying or frustrating potential investors.
He emphasised that the government is determined to transform Ondo State from a civil service-dependent economy into an industrialised society, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
He added that the present government would continue to engage relevant parastatals, agencies and stakeholders that could facilitate seamless establishment of businesses and industries for the overall growth and development of the state.
According to him, the Ministry has launched a website to enhance smooth business transactions with the public, assuring investors of prompt processing and approval of their applications once all necessary requirements are fulfilled.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Engineer Temitope Owolabi, explained that the agency serves as the regulatory body responsible for approving petroleum and gas retail outlets in each state.
He noted that such approvals must comply with town planning laws, building approvals and land use clearances of the host state.
Owolabi said the courtesy visit was to strengthen and foster a better working relationship with the Ministry to promote transparency, seamless operations and timely approvals for intending investors in the petroleum industry.
He called for stronger collaboration between both agencies to mitigate delays and other challenges that could discourage potential marketers and investors.
While appreciating the visitors, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, affirmed that all applications for approval are treated with utmost dispatch in line with the governor’s policy direction.
According to him, any delay could only arise from non-payment of government charges or failure to provide necessary documentation required for such approvals.
Akingbasote assured that the Ministry would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficiency, transparency and smooth operations in all its activities.