By Zubairu Idris
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), says President Bola Tinubu’s priority agenda on economic recovery focuses on positioning the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.
The PEBEC Head of Reforms and Interventions, Mrs. Toyin Bashir, stated this at the PEBEC Subnational Tour, North-west region, held in Katsina, on Tuesday.
“The 8-point agenda priority of Mr President Bola Tinubu on economic recovery focuses on positioning the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.
“As we continue on this journey of economic transformation, we must address challenges head-on, strengthening our critical infrastructure remains key to enhancing connectivity and minimising logistics costs.
“Streamlining regulations to reduce bureaucracy, expanding access to finance for MSMEs, fostering skills development and enhance security to create a conducive environment for businesses to operate and thrive remain vital,” she said.
Bashir said that the PEBEC mandate was to deliver Nigeria’s business environment reforms by removing bureaucratic and legislative constraints to doing business and improving the perception on the ease of doing business.
The officer said that the council’s strategic communication efforts remained active, disseminating information about the mandate and reforms, ensuring widespread awareness to businesses and key stakeholders.
In his keynote address, Gov. Dikko Radda, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Faruk Lawal-Jobe, said that the PEBEC’s mission to eliminate barriers and bureaucratic obstacles perfectly aligned with the state government’s vision.
The vision, he said, was to establish a supportive, dynamic and sustainable business climate
in the state and in the North-West.
“Our economies are diverse, and our resources are vast, from agriculture to minerals, manufacturing to trade. We hold the keys to opportunities that could uplift the entire region,” he said.
He, however, explained that they also recognise that unlocking those opportunities, it requires a unified approach to the business environment.
“A framework that supports both large-scale investors and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises that are the backbone of our economy.
“I am proud to share that we have created the Katsina State Economic Council, a body that works closely with stakeholders across all sectors and with citizens to guide our state’s policy direction towards achieving a collective economic goal.
“This council, to which I serve as Chairman, and the newly established Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) are part of our strategic approach to harmonise and streamline efforts to attract investments, encourage entrepreneurship and facilitate sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The governor added that the state government also created a Directorate of Information and Technology to drive digital transformation in the state.
He further noted that the government was investing in youths through the Youth Craft Village, adding that it was an initiative designed to nurture young entrepreneurs, equip them with relevant skills and support their journey into self-employment.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdussalam-Gwarzo, said that Kano being the commercial nerve centre of West Africa, remained committed to providing enabling environment for businesses and commercial activities to flourish.
He expressed their administration’s readiness in partnering with the PEBEC towards easing doing business in the state and the region with a view to attracting more investors. NAN