As part of measures to revive moribund industries and stimulate economic growth, Edo State Government has commenced a comprehensive on-the-spot assessment of abandoned and non-functional industrial facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The statewide exercise is being led by the Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment (MBTI), Mr. Omoh Anabor, in line with the administration’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises sustainable industrial development, job creation, and improved revenue generation.
Speaking during an inspection of the Edo State Pharmaceutical Store along Medical Stores Road, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area, the Commissioner expressed concern over the level of decay observed at the facility, attributing it to years of neglect by previous administrations.
“What we are seeing here is unacceptable. These facilities, if properly maintained and put to use, would have employed thousands of Edo youths, reduced crime and other social vices, and generated substantial revenue for the state,” Anabor said.
He stressed that the Okpebholo-led administration is determined to reverse the trend of abandonment and waste, noting that every viable public asset must be repositioned to serve the economic interests of the people.
According to the Commissioner, the ongoing inspections form part of a broader plan to conduct a comprehensive audit of state-owned industrial assets, identify viable facilities for revival, and attract strategic partnerships capable of driving industrialisation, creating jobs, and strengthening Edo State’s economy.
“Our goal is simple: to turn abandoned structures into productive assets that will work for the people of Edo State. This exercise will continue to other facilities across the state,” Anabor affirmed.
“The Okpebholo administration will not allow public investments to rot away. We are here to assess, document, and ensure that these assets are either revived or properly integrated into our broader industrial development strategy,” he added.
While conducting the Commissioner around the facility, the Head of Accounts, Essential Drugs Department, Mr. Daniel Oshiobugie, explained that the premises currently accommodate units of the Ministry of Health, the Primary Health Care Department, and the Essential Drugs Unit.
He further disclosed that some sections of the facility are presently undergoing renovation by the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government is currently rehabilitating some of the blocks here. Whenever government agencies need to store items in this facility, they formally notify the management before accessing the premises,” Oshiobugie explained.
Similarly, the Chairman, Protection of Public Properties, Edo State, Mr. Eugene Okoloise, underscored the importance of safeguarding public assets, particularly abandoned industrial facilities.
“These properties belong to the people of Edo State. Our responsibility is to protect them from further vandalism and illegal occupation while government takes concrete steps to bring them back to life,” he said.
Other facilities inspected during the tour include the cement factory in Ikpeshi, an industrial plant in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, the Auchi Textile Mill in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, and the Ehor Fruit Juice Processing Industry in Ehor, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by management staff, including the Director of Policy and Statistics, Alaba Okun; Director, Media and Publicity/PRO, Betty Idialu; Mr. Justice Osagiie of the Department of Policy and Statistics; and his Personal Assistant, Engr. Donald.
