From WILLIE ATTAH, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting investment into the state.
Deputy Governor Manasseh Daniel Jatau gave the assurance on Monday while declaring open a stakeholders’ engagement on Ease of Doing Business reforms in Gombe.
Jatau, who represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the administration remains focused on strengthening efficiency, transparency and accountability in public service delivery as part of efforts to promote economic growth and investment.
He said Ease of Doing Business goes beyond facilitating commercial transactions and requires efficient, transparent and responsive service delivery from both public and private institutions.
“Every individual and institution involved in service delivery must be guided by honesty, accountability, speed and accuracy,” he said, noting that delays and inefficiencies undermine public confidence and economic development.
The deputy governor said the reforms are being driven through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, which focuses on areas such as land administration, regulatory processes and investment promotion.
“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,” he said.
Jatau said the state has the potential to become a model for business excellence, adding that the government would continue to pursue policies that strengthen investor confidence and support private sector growth.
Earlier, 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.
He said reforms championed by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and supported through the SABER programme are designed to remove bottlenecks, simplify regulatory procedures and improve service delivery.
According to him, sustainable economic transformation can only be achieved through strong collaboration between government and the private sector.
In a virtual address, Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, commended ongoing reform efforts and stressed the role of small and medium-scale enterprises in driving economic growth, job creation and national development.
Also speaking, Gombe SABER Focal Person, Kabiru Tsoho, said the engagement would equip entrepreneurs and business owners with knowledge and tools to expand their businesses and attract investment opportunities.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Buhari Industrial Park and the Agro-Livestock Development Zone as key projects aimed at improving infrastructure and the overall business environment in the state.
The event featured a panel discussion on reform challenges and opportunities, with participation from representatives of key government agencies and business regulatory institutions.