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

Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs has officially declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Plateau State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The declaration, which took place on April 29, 2026, attracted a wide array of party stakeholders and supporters within and outside Plateau State. Notable attendees included members of the Mangu PDP Local Government Area (LGA) Executive Committee, councillorship aspirants, House of Assembly aspirants from both Mangu North and South, as well as other key political figures.
Among those present was Hon. Nathaniel Godfrey, the PDP LGA Chairman in Mangu, who reaffirmed the strength and relevance of the party. In his remarks, he emphasized that the PDP remains vibrant and active, dismissing any claims of decline.

In his official declaration speech, Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and citizens for their continued support and commitment to the development of Plateau State. He described his decision to run for governor as one driven not by personal ambition, but by a genuine desire to serve the people and reposition the state for growth and prosperity. Highlighting his background in the civil service, where he rose to the peak of his career, Biggs noted that his experience has equipped him with a clear understanding of the state’s needs and the pathway to effective governance. He pledged to adopt a leadership style centered on inclusiveness, accountability, and responsiveness to the collective aspirations of the people.

Addressing key challenges facing the state, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits, he stressed the need for a new direction. He outlined his vision to build a peaceful and secure Plateau State, create employment opportunities through agricultural revitalization and business support, improve education and healthcare systems, and develop critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of unity and inclusive governance across ethnic, religious, and social divides, calling on citizens to work together toward a shared future.

Hon. Biggs also extended a message of partnership to members and leaders of the PDP, urging unity within the party to achieve electoral success and deliver good governance. He specifically encouraged youths and women to actively participate in shaping the future of the state, recognizing their vital roles in societal development.

He concluded his address by calling on all citizens of Plateau State, irrespective of political affiliation, to join him in a collective movement for progress, peace, and renewed hope.

The declaration marks a significant development in the political landscape of Plateau State as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the next gubernatorial election.