The Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC) has organized a workshop to boost entrepreneur and investor access to credit facilities within the state for developing businesses.
The aim of the one-day training held on Friday was to strengthen their businesses, build a strong network for exports, and better manage their portfolios for growth.
The training exercise is titled “Access to Credit for Investors in Kwara State.”
Key areas covered by speakers include streamlining the export certification process for investors; unlocking credit opportunities to empower investors with the financial tools they need; and managing debt and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
During the training session, the Commissioner of Finance and Chairman of EODBC, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, stressed that the aim of the workshop is to help entrepreneurs gain access to grow, innovate, and compete effectively in their businesses.
Babatunde Toyin Abdulrasheed, the Press Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, said Dr. Nuru noted that the state government has a focus on making business easier in the state via processes.
Among others are reduction of bureaucratic bottlenecks and prioritising access to credit towards building a steady business ecosystem.
Significant lecturers at the training ground are Dr. Ayinde Salihu Mosadi from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Kwara State Coordinating Unit; Oluremi Agboola; and Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo from First City Monument Bank (FCMB), among others.
Dr. Nuru described the discussions as both timely and crucial for achieving a shared vision of transforming Kwara into an economic hub.
She praised the state government and Council members for their relentless efforts in creating a business-friendly environment that enables enterprises to thrive and contribute significantly to the state’s development.
In his presentation, Dr. Mosadi highlighted that the state government’s ease of doing business policy has the potential to enhance the volume of exported products from the state.
He revealed that Kwara currently has 487 registered exporters but emphasised the need for increased activity among them to achieve better outcomes.
He encouraged business owners to register with the NEPC for a fee of thirteen thousand naira (N13,000), noting that this step could boost product visibility and access to international markets.
Financial experts Agboola, Jacob-Ogogo, and Oyebangbose outlined various opportunities their banks provide to support entrepreneurs in growing their businesses and promoting financial inclusion.
Oyebangbose specifically advised business owners to only borrow amounts aligned with their business needs and to avoid misusing the funds for purposes other than their intended use.
Key figures at the training workshop were the Commissioner of Finance and Chairman of EODBC, Dr. Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Olohuntoyisi Thomas; Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun; and others.
Participants at the event expressed gratitude to the government for organizing the workshop.
They urged the Nigeria Export Promotion Council to intensify advocacy efforts to raise awareness about its operations and called on financial institutions to simplify the process of obtaining business loans to better support entrepreneurs.
