Gombe State Government has urged stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to uphold honesty, accountability, efficiency, and accuracy in service delivery.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who also serves as the Chairman of the State Ease of Doing Business Council, made the call while declaring open the Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Tour and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.
He observed that the concept of ease of doing business was often misunderstood as merely facilitating the purchase of goods and services.
According to him, its true essence lies in ensuring efficient, transparent, accountable and satisfactory service delivery by all actors within the state and across the country.
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The Deputy Governor emphasised that every individual and institution involved in service delivery must be guided by the principles of honesty, accountability, speed and accuracy, noting that delays and inefficiencies undermine public confidence and hinder economic growth.
He explained that the Federal Government introduced the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme to strengthen business-friendly policies across states, particularly in areas affecting efficient land administration, regulatory frameworks for investment in fibre-optic infrastructure, and improved services by investment promotion agencies.
“Precisely what we are here for today is to improve the business environment, which is not only necessary but indeed inevitable in attracting investment, enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable economic development,” Dr. Jatau stated.
He urged participants to engage actively in the discussions and contribute ideas that would advance reforms in the state.
Dr. Jatau noted that the meeting would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess performance under the SABER Programme, evaluate achievements and challenges, identify areas requiring further support, and utilise feedback mechanisms to improve future actions and outcomes.
He further noted that Gombe has the potential to become a model of business excellence in Nigeria, citing the commitment of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya to sustaining reforms that will position the state as a leading investment destination.
He also echoed the state government’s call for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, the private sector and PEBEC.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Jalo Ibrahim, described the engagement as an important platform for dialogue between government and the private sector on issues affecting economic growth and development.
He said the engagement reflects the commitment of both the Federal and State Governments to building a transparent, efficient, inclusive and investment-friendly business environment.
Bottlenecks
The Permanent Secretary noted that the reforms being championed by PEBEC and supported through the SABER Programme are designed to remove bottlenecks, simplify regulatory processes, improve service delivery and enhance the ease of doing business across the country.
According to him, Gombe State remains fully committed to the reform agenda, stressing that sustainable economic transformation can only be achieved through effective collaboration between government and the private sector.
He challenged participants to take advantage of the opportunity to share experiences and contribute meaningfully towards shaping a competitive and investment-friendly business environment in the state.
Addressing participants virtually, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment and demonstrating the political will required to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
She noted that the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), play a critical role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and stimulating national development.
Also speaking at the event, the SABER Focal Person, Kabiru Tsoho, said the engagement would equip entrepreneurs and business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to expand their businesses and attract investment opportunities.
He added that this commitment is reflected in the initiatives of the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, including the Buhari Industrial Park and the Agro-Livestock Development Zone, both of which are aimed at improving infrastructure, land administration and the overall business environment in the state.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on reform challenges and opportunities, involving key stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of GIRS, a representative of the Director-General of GOGIS, the Executive Secretary of GOSIPA, and the Secretary of the Small Claims Court.
