The Edo State Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Donatus Ojiefoh, has said reforms by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration have repositioned the State as one of the most business-friendly States in Nigeria.

Ojiefoh, who spoke while briefing journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the government has leveraged technology among others to drive economic growth and improve service delivery to the people of the State.

He said the State’s e-governance system and transition to a paperless government has so far saved the State over N60 billion, which has been effectively deployed to other impactful projects to better the lives of more residents of the State.

While calling for continuous support to the government, the Commissioner noted that sustaining the reforms and achievements of the Obaseki-led administration is important to building a sustainable economy and achieving a progressive and prosperous Edo State.

Noting the government’s milestones in the mineral and energy sector, Ojiefoh said that in harnessing the abundant mineral resources in Edo, the state government has registered the Edo State Mining and Investment Company and has obtained 40 mining licenses.

According to him, “If Obaseki was the governor before now, Edo state would have been one of the richest states in the federation. The next governor that is coming must be able to match Obaseki’s weight; somebody that understands the investment and development status of the state at the moment.

“Edo State is 10 years ahead of other States apart from Lagos. Edo has put over 20 million files into the e-governance structure since the state was created and is the only state operating 100 percent e-governance.”

The Commissioner added, “Governor Obaseki has saved over N60 billion for Edo State just on office stationery alone. Whatever paper you see in my office are external papers or files. It takes a man with a potent brain, who understands cost-saving to achieve that.”