By Sodeinde Temidayo David
An initiative aimed to boost investors’ convenience has been launched by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
The initiative, called the electronic One-Stop Investment Centre (e-OSIC), is the digital version of OSIC, which brings together relevant government agencies to provide efficient, transparent and fast-tracked services to investors.
e-OSIC was featured through the organisation Single Window Investors’ Platform (SWIP) and will enhance its effectiveness and ensure timely service.
The centre is coordinated by the NIPC and the objective is to simplify business entry processes by removing administrative and regulatory bottlenecks pertaining to doing business in Nigeria.
Speaking on the new development, the Acting Executive Secretary of NIPC, Mr Emeka Offor, disclosed that the window, which has four components, is the e-business facilitation platform of NIPC fashioned in line with the e-government initiative of the federal government.
He further noted that the SWIP project which commenced in 2020 is aimed at enabling NIPC to leverage technology to better deliver on its mandate.
According to him, with the advent of e-OSIC, investors can now have access to all services offered at OSIC remotely, and apply for business registration, submit relevant documents, and make appropriate fee payments.
“Through the platform, NIPC will be able to track and review the services of participating agencies at the centre,” Mr Offor added.
The Technical Team Lead of SWIP at the commission, Mr Toyin Oladipo also stated that the portal is aimed at digitalising its mandate to ensure effective delivery of its mandate.
Investors who would like to transition to the digital advent, are expected to visit the SWIP portal on the NIPC web platform
The One Stop Investment Centre houses 27 government agencies, and provides investment facilitation services, reduce the time required to process regulatory approvals and permits and assist with information and requirements from incorporation to expansion.
Adedapo Adesanya