President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s 36 states to intensify collaboration with the Federal Government in removing bottlenecks to investment as part of a renewed drive to strengthen the nation’s business environment and accelerate economic growth.
In a goodwill message at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reforms Workshop held in Awka on Thursday, Tinubu highlighted persistent challenges discouraging both local and foreign investors. These include policy inconsistencies, regulatory bottlenecks, poor infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, lack of accountability, and unpredictable business conditions.
The President’s message, delivered by PEBEC Director-General Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, emphasised that the Vice President Kashim Shettima-led PEBEC is spearheading a nationwide engagement to foster federal-state synergy and implement targeted reforms capable of unlocking Nigeria’s vast investment opportunities.
Tinubu urged state governments to focus on sectors where they have comparative advantages, such as agriculture value chains, solid minerals, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and market opportunities, noting that investors’ decisions are heavily influenced by the competitiveness of individual states.
The Anambra State Government showcased its ongoing reforms, with Acting State Council Chairman on Ease of Doing Business and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, declaring that the state remains committed to becoming “the best place to live, work, and invest.”
Reform Champion and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chukwukadibia Okoye, outlined 16 key reform areas already being implemented, including improved electricity access, road infrastructure, land administration, workforce development, and credit facilitation. He also stressed the critical role of security and social interventions in attracting investors.
Okoye further highlighted the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) as a one-stop shop for timely business registration and investor support.
PEBEC Reform Leader Gabriel Ohiemi called for the harmonisation of levies and fees across states, full digitisation of government processes, and stronger legal frameworks to reduce revenue leakages and build investor confidence.
Barrister Ifunanya Chidi advocated the adoption of Small Claims Courts to ensure faster and more accessible dispute resolution, describing them as vital for sustainable business growth and foreign direct investment.
Meanwhile, Sir Humphrey Ngonadi, President of the Anambra State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), commended the reform agenda but expressed concern over the low participation of traders, who constitute about 80 percent of intended beneficiaries. He called for the establishment of business support desks near major markets.
The workshop featured a panel discussion on reform challenges and opportunities, involving top Anambra State officials. The PEBEC subnational engagement tour is expected to continue across other states as the Federal Government pushes for a more competitive and investor-friendly Nigeria.
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