By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government on Wednesday launched the Ebonyi One-Stop-Shop (EBOSS), a centralised hub designed to streamline business registration, licensing, and other administrative services for entrepreneurs and investors in the state.
The facility, unveiled at the Staff Development Centre, Abakaliki, was inaugurated on behalf of Governor Francis Nwifuru by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Offia-Nwali.
Offia-Nwali said the new centre was approved to enhance the ease of doing business and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have slowed economic activities in the state. He explained that the initiative will bring essential services closer to citizens and provide easier access to regulatory agencies required for business operations.
Also present at the event was the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Prof. Leonard Uguru, alongside other senior government officials.
The Director-General of the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EB-SEMEDIA), Dr. Stephen Odo, said EBOSS was created as a unified platform where multiple business-related services can be accessed seamlessly.
He noted that the project aligns with the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda aimed at strengthening economic development and improving service delivery.
According to him, the centre integrates digital platforms, reduces turnaround time for processing documents, and enhances transparency. He added that the initiative is expected to promote local and foreign investments, support job creation, and encourage economic diversification.
Agencies expected to operate from the One-Stop-Shop include SMEDAN, FIRS, SON, CAC, NAFDAC, RMRDC, BOI, BOA, NEPC and NIMC.
Representatives of these agencies who attended the launch pledged their support and assured the business community of improved service delivery.
A representative of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Nnagozi Nwite, stressed the importance of obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and encouraged business operators to comply with tax regulations to avoid being caught up by the new tax law which may take effect from 2026.
Also, the representative of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Engr. Asiegbu Chukwudi, promised that the bank would station dedicated staff at the facility to guide entrepreneurs on access to funding, product registration, quality control, and export documentation.
