Business Growth Depends on Reforms, PEBEC Tells Borno Government
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has urged the Borno State Government to intensify reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting greater private sector investment. The call was made during a town hall meeting held in Maiduguri, where business leaders, government agencies and private sector stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening the state's economic environment. Speaking at the event, PEBEC Director-General, Zahrah Audu, said state governments play a crucial role in creating conditions that allow businesses to thrive through investor-friendly policies, reduced regulatory hurdles and efficient service delivery. She explained that PEBEC has continued to engage state governments across the country on practical reforms that can improve competitiveness and encourage investment. According to her, the council has recommended measures such as harmonising fees and levies across state and local government levels, improving business ranking systems and adopting regulatory impact assessment frameworks similar to those already in operation at the federal level.
Audu noted that the council would continue to monitor progress and work closely with state authorities to ensure that concerns raised by investors and entrepreneurs are addressed. She added that states would eventually be assessed through PEBEC's subnational ranking system, which evaluates efforts made to create a more supportive environment for businesses. Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency, Sa’id Kori, praised PEBEC for championing reforms designed to improve business conditions across the country. Kori said Borno had made notable progress under the administration of Babagana Umara Zulum, citing the implementation of key reform initiatives aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of doing business. He highlighted the state's participation in the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, as well as the operationalisation of its Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan. According to him, the state's objective is to eliminate bureaucratic delays, simplify regulatory processes and create a transparent environment that encourages both local and foreign investment. Kori also pledged continued collaboration between the investment agency, PEBEC and other stakeholders to streamline regulations, harmonise charges and improve investor experiences across the state.
PEBEC was established by the Federal Government to improve Nigeria's business environment through reforms that reduce regulatory obstacles and make it easier for businesses to start, operate and expand. Through programmes such as SABER, the council works with state governments to strengthen investment attraction, improve public service delivery and enhance economic competitiveness.
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