FG urges Borno to implement reforms supporting local businesses

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council has urged the Borno State government to strengthen local businesses by implementing reforms that tackle the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the state.

Zahrah Audu, the Director General of PBEC, made this statement on Monday during a town hall meeting with private-sector stakeholders and ministries, departments, and agencies involved in business facilitation in Maiduguri, as part of a nationwide effort to encourage states to undertake business-enabling reforms.

Represented by the Project Manager of the State Action on Business Enabling Reform, Aimeya Okpebholo, Zahrah explained that local businesses can flourish if states adopt investment-friendly reforms that promote growth.

Audu said, “This programme was organised in conjunction with the Borno State Government. For us at PEBEC, the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment, Princess Zara Audu, has found it fit to have this second sub-national tour at the state level again.

“It is divided into two parts; the first part of this engagement is to meet with some business-enabling MDAs at the state level to review the reforms they have been doing to ease business and identify what they need to do next,” she explained.

“The second session creates a platform for the organised private sector to meet with the MDAs at the state level to express their concerns, and for the government to inform the private sector about their efforts and the reforms they have implemented that businesses can benefit from.”

According to her, PEBEC has made significant recommendations for states to adopt in order to help businesses prosper.

She said, “So far, we have proposed some investment-friendly reforms that states can adopt in terms of doing business, and we have engaged them on the need for harmonising fees and levies at the state and local government levels, as well as how business rankings are determined.

“Lastly, we explained the regulatory impact analysis framework that is already operational at the federal level, encouraging states to adopt a similar approach,” Audu added.

She also highlighted that beyond the engagement, the agency will continue to follow up with the state government to ensure the proposed reforms are implemented.

“After the engagement, we will continue to follow up. We will keep tracking and engaging with the state to ensure the challenges raised are addressed.

“Ultimately, our subnational ranking will assess how well the state has provided an enabling environment for business,” she assured.

Sa’id Kori, the Chairman of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency (Borno-Invest), commended PEBEC for its dedication to subnational business-enabling reforms.

“The presence of PEBEC and the SABER project here in Maiduguri underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to subnational business-enabling reforms – and Borno is proud to be at the forefront.

We have made notable progress. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and with the active support of our Deputy Governor, we have domesticated key reforms, including the full implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) in collaboration with the World Bank, and the operationalisation of the Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP).

Our aim is simple: to reduce the cost and time of doing business, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and establish a seamless, transparent, and predictable regulatory environment for every investor,” he stated.

He, however, assured that his agency will collaborate with PEBEC, the SABER project, and all MDAs to harmonise fees and streamline regulations.

“As Chairman of Borno-Invest, I can assure you that our Agency stands ready to work hand-in-hand with PEBEC, the SABER project, and all MDAs to harmonise fees, simplify regulations, and enhance the investor experience from entry to exit,” he affirmed.