The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among states to drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
Speaking at a peer-to-peer learning workshop for State Commissioners of Commerce and Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies in Abuja, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, said Nigeria’s growth must be holistic, driven not only by federal policies but also by coordinated efforts at the subnational level.
The PEBEC boss noted that while some states have made significant progress in improving their business environments, others are still lagging behind. She stressed that knowledge sharing and practical learning remain key to bridging the gap.
She explained that PEBEC’s nationwide tour, which is set to resume at the end of May, is designed to provide first-hand insights into state-level reforms and facilitate direct engagement with key business stakeholders.
According to her, “Growth is a continuous conversation”, adding that real transformation can only occur when states learn from one another while maintaining healthy competition.
On measuring impact, the Director-General highlighted the importance of data-driven assessments, noting that PEBEC’s ranking system provides an objective basis for evaluating progress in areas such as SME development, job creation, and informal sector participation.
She said the council works closely with state governments and the organised private sector to gather credible data, complemented by findings from technical sessions and town hall meetings held during its nationwide engagements.
The DG further disclosed that PEBEC has strengthened its support system for states through continuous technical assistance and the digitalisation of its processes, including a real-time portal for addressing challenges and sharing best practices.
She added that development partners such as the British High Commission, the NEST Programme, and Afreximbank have also contributed to capacity building for state officials.
Speaking at the close of the two-day session, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hadejia, said the country’s economic future depends largely on how effectively state governments implement reforms that directly impact businesses.
He noted that while federal initiatives have laid important groundwork, the real test lies in how subnational governments translate policies into tangible improvements for investors and entrepreneurs.
According to him, states that fail to act decisively risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive global investment environment, where capital is both mobile and selective.
The workshop equipped participants with practical tools and templates needed to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment into their respective states.
