Anambra State Recognized for Infrastructure and Business Reforms
Anambra State has received high praise for its infrastructure development and ease of doing business, particularly in the digitalization of the economy through the use of the National Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). This recognition was shared during a technical session and a statewide “Town Hall Meeting on State Action on Business Enabling Reforms” held at the International Conference Centre in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.
Gabriel Ohiemi, the team leader of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), highlighted the state’s progress during the event. He expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructure development and noted that feedback from their assessments indicates that Anambra is on the right path, especially concerning the ease of doing business.
Ohiemi emphasized the significance of GNIS, stating that it enables people to access land through electronic means, which helps reduce issues related to land grabbers and scammers. He explained that the primary goal of PEBEC is to eliminate administrative constraints and bottlenecks, making it easier for businesses to start and grow in Nigeria.
The team also discussed the SABER initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at improving business environments across states. A total of 750 million dollars has been initiated by the PEBEC Secretariat in collaboration with the World Bank, Nigerian Governors Forum, Debt Management Office, and the Ministry of Finance. This funding is designed to reward states that implement deep reforms and meet specific disbursement indicators.
According to Ohiemi, less than 10% of the funds have been withdrawn so far. The more states deepen their reforms, the greater their access to these funds. Princess Zahrah Mustaphe Audu, the Director of PEBEC, encourages states to align their reforms with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of creating a business-friendly environment in Nigeria.
Governor Soludo Expresses Appreciation
During the event, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo expressed his gratitude to the PEBEC team and stakeholders who attended the meeting. He described the event as a free assessment and an important exercise for the state, emphasizing its role in helping improve the lives of residents and enhancing the business environment.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, Soludo stated that the state aims to be the top performer in the country. He highlighted that there is ongoing work being done, with the government structured to collaborate with all levels of governance, including the executive, judiciary, legislature, and industry leaders.
The governor assured that the state government is committed to providing a favorable environment for businesses to thrive. His message was clear: Anambra is working diligently to improve its standing and achieve the position it desires.
Industry Commissioner Highlights Collaboration
Christian Udechukwu, the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, praised the collaboration between the state and federal governments. He confirmed that Anambra has benefited from interventions by the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry, including small grants of N50,000 to each Small and Medium Scale Enterprise.
Udechukwu pointed out that after the program, there is an expectation of better policy formulation and implementation at both federal and state levels. He stressed the importance of harmonizing efforts to create a more efficient business environment.
Budget and Economic Planning Commissioner Shares Insights
Chiamaka Nnake, the Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, clarified that PEBEC is visiting various states to engage with business communities and gather insights on how to improve business operations. She mentioned that Governor Soludo had already engaged with local business communities months prior.
Nnake described the program as an opportunity to showcase the efforts of the Anambra State government in improving the lives of its citizens and enhancing the ease of doing business. She highlighted the state’s road construction initiatives, which are aimed at connecting different parts of Anambra for easier business operations.
She also noted that the Federal Government has granted Anambra the authority to build Trunk A road and manage power reforms independently. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both the federal and state governments to support Anambra’s growth and development.
