By Efecha Gold
ASABA/Nigeria: A proposal for the establishment of a one-stop investment support centre has emerged as one of the key recommendations from the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chukwudi Enebeli, saying the initiative would simplify investment procedures and boost investor confidence in the state.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the summit in Asaba on Tuesday, Enebeli said Delta State’s drive to attract local and foreign investments should extend beyond promotion to creating institutional structures that help investors navigate the country’s legal and regulatory environment with confidence.
He proposed the creation of a central investment support centre where prospective investors can obtain coordinated legal, financial and regulatory guidance before and after establishing their businesses.
According to the senior lawyer, the facility should bring together legal practitioners, financial advisers, land administration experts and relevant government agencies to provide comprehensive support throughout the investment process.
Enebeli noted that many investment projects encounter avoidable delays and financial losses because investors are unfamiliar with statutory requirements governing business operations in Nigeria. He said early access to professional advice would significantly reduce such risks while improving the overall ease of doing business in Delta State.
He identified areas requiring specialised guidance to include land acquisition procedures, building approvals, environmental compliance, anti-money laundering regulations, tax obligations and other legal requirements that could influence investment decisions.
The SAN also urged the state government to ensure that qualified Delta professionals are actively engaged in investment-related transactions, including legal documentation, property acquisition, financing arrangements and public-private partnership agreements.
He said greater participation by indigenous professionals would not only strengthen investor confidence but also create employment opportunities, deepen local capacity and ensure that more economic value is retained within the state.
Enebeli further recommended that the proposed investment centre should provide investors with access to dispute resolution services, including arbitration and mediation, to enable businesses resolve commercial disagreements efficiently without unnecessary litigation.
“The question is not when an investor needs a lawyer. The question is how early they need one, and the answer is now,” Enebeli said, stressing the importance of obtaining professional legal advice at the earliest stage of any investment.
He called on government, the private sector and other stakeholders to work collaboratively in building an investment ecosystem that protects investors, encourages responsible business practices and positions Delta State as a preferred destination for sustainable investment.
