Effective Reforms Essential For Stronger Economy — Stakeholders

Published

3 months ago

April 30, 2026

Preport

By Lucy Ogalue

Stakeholders say that effective reforms at the sub-national level are essential for building a stronger economy.

They spoke at the Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop for State Commissioners of Commerce and Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.

Dr Aliyu Chikaji, Director-General of the Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, said the forum was helping states to move from theory to practice.

He said peer learning had made it possible for states to share real-life experiences and adopt what works.

According to him, the workshop has helped reduce the time needed for states to learn and implement reforms.

Chikaji said investment promotion required deliberate project preparation to attract investors.

He added that Yobe was developing bankable projects in key sectors, including livestock, to attract investment and boost economic growth.

Also speaking, Mr Sabiu Sani, Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor on Investment Promotion, said communication and collaboration were key to attracting investors.

He said that Kaduna State’s performance in ease of doing business ranking (second place) was a result of deliberate reforms.

Sani said the state would continue to improve its policies on land administration, taxation and infrastructure to sustain investor confidence.

He added that public-private partnerships and institutional coordination had strengthened Kaduna’s investment climate.

In his remarks, Dr Muhammed Kamba, Director-General of Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency, said reforms were improving transparency and efficiency.

He said simplified land administration processes and consolidated payment systems had reduced bottlenecks for investors.

Kamba said investment promotion agencies were being strengthened across states to improve service delivery.

He stressed the importance of collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to attract and retain investment.

Meanwhile, Mrs Roseline Bentu, Head of Plateau State Investment Promotion Agency, commended the initiative By PEBEC.

Bentu said the training was engaging and provided valuable knowledge for implementation at the state level.

She pledged to domesticate lessons learnt from the workshop, particularly in aligning state plans with national development strategies.

According to her, aligning policies will enable states to benefit from federal initiatives and attract more private sector investment.

Bentu noted that the national development plan places strong emphasis on private sector participation.

She said states must re-strategise their policies to tap into available opportunities and drive growth.

The participants agreed that peer learning and coordinated reforms would improve competitiveness across the states.

They said stronger institutions, better policies and improved infrastructure would drive economic growth.

The stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained sub-national reforms would translate into job creation, enterprise development and improved livelihoods.(NAN)(www.nannwws.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

2027: APM picks Grace Coker as Lagos deputy governorship candidate

Published

36 minutes ago

July 25, 2026

Preport

The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has named Grace Oluwatobi Coker as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

Coker emerged as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Laja Adeoye, and pledged to work towards providing purposeful leadership if elected.

Reacting to her nomination on Saturday, she described her emergence as a great honour and responsibility, expressing gratitude to God, the party leadership, supporters and Lagos residents for the confidence reposed in her.

She also thanked Adeoye for selecting her as his running mate, describing him as her leader, mentor and principal, while expressing her readiness to work closely with him in pursuit of the party’s vision for Lagos State.

Coker reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the governorship candidate in securing victory for the APM in the 2027 governorship election.

She equally appreciated the leadership of the party at the national, state, local government, ward and polling unit levels, as well as other stakeholders and candidates, for their encouragement and unwavering support.

The deputy governorship candidate also commended members of the party’s campaign team, volunteers and supporters for their dedication, sacrifices and prayers, noting that their contributions would remain vital to the party’s success.

She extended her appreciation to her family, friends and associates for standing by her throughout her political journey.

Coker also thanked the people of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, her home constituency, and residents across Lagos State for their trust and support, assuring them that she would not take their confidence for granted.

Reaffirming her loyalty to the APM, she pledged to work hand in hand with Adeoye, the party leadership and members to deliver victory in the 2027 governorship election.

According to her, the APM is offering Lagosians “a new direction anchored on purposeful leadership, accountability, inclusion and sustainable development.”

She also prayed for divine wisdom and guidance as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

News

Just-In: Abduljabar Adama Keeps Nigeria’s Hopes Alive, Storms Into Commonwealth Games 50m Freestyle Semi-Finals

Published

4 hours ago

July 25, 2026

Preport

Nigeria’s Abduljabar Adama kept the country’s swimming hopes alive on Day Two of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, producing an impressive performance to qualify for the men’s 50m freestyle semi-finals at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Competing in a highly competitive Heat 7, Adama rose to the occasion against a quality field that included Australia’s Flynn Southam, England’s Jacob Mills, Canada’s Antoine Sauvé, and Northern Ireland’s Matthew Hamilton. The Nigerian sprint swimmer finished strongly to secure one of the qualifying places for the semi-finals, becoming Nigeria’s lone representative in the next stage of the event.

It was, however, a disappointing outing for compatriot Clinton Opute, who competed in Heat 8 alongside Australia’s Jamie Jack, South Africa’s Michael Houlie, The Bahamas’ Lamar Taylor, and Fiji’s Hansel McCaig. Despite a determined effort, Opute’s time was not enough to earn one of the coveted semi-final spots, bringing his campaign in the event to an end.

Adama’s qualification is another significant milestone in his rapidly developing career. The young Nigerian has earned a reputation as one of Africa’s brightest sprint prospects after setting the African junior record in the 50m freestyle, and his latest performance reinforces his growing status on the international stage.

Sports247, reporting from Glasgow, observed jubilant celebrations from the Nigerian camp after Adama’s qualification was confirmed. With the semi-finals scheduled later on Day Two, the Nigerian will now aim to produce another explosive swim as he targets a historic place in the Commonwealth Games final.

After Team Nigeria’s outstanding medal haul in para powerlifting on the opening day, Adama’s progression provides another positive storyline for the Nigerian contingent as the Games gather momentum in Glasgow.