Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its business climate gained fresh momentum on Wednesday as senior government officials and investment stakeholders convened for a high-level peer-learning workshop focused on strengthening subnational reforms.
At the close of the two-day engagement, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), emphasised the pivotal role of state governments in driving the country’s economic transformation. He noted that while federal policies provide strategic direction, their success ultimately depends on effective implementation at the state level.
Representing him at the event, Hadejia reaffirmed the commitment of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), to sustaining regulatory reforms and deepening coordination across all tiers of government.
He stated that Nigeria’s economic competitiveness is closely tied to the performance of its states, stressing that subnational governments remain critical to attracting and retaining investment.
The workshop, organised by PEBEC under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, brought together State Commissioners of Commerce, heads of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), and development partners. Discussions centred on moving from policy frameworks to practical implementation strategies that improve investment readiness at the state level.
Participants examined key components of modern investment promotion, including the development of data-driven state value propositions, improved inter-agency coordination, utilisation of digital platforms for investor engagement, and strengthened investment tracking systems. Investor aftercare was also highlighted as essential for sustaining and expanding existing investments.
Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, underscored the importance of collaboration and data-driven evaluation in advancing reforms. She noted that while performance rankings remain relevant, they are supported by extensive engagement with both public and private sector stakeholders.
According to her, data-driven insights enable the council to identify gaps, track progress, and provide targeted support to states in delivering measurable outcomes. She added that PEBEC’s nationwide engagements and digital platforms have enhanced its capacity to offer real-time support, positioning the council as a central hub for business environment reforms and investment facilitation.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, Dr. Aliyu Isah Chikaji, described the workshop as a significant initiative that enables states to share experiences and fast-track reform efforts.
He noted that adopting proven models from other states can significantly reduce the time required to implement reforms. Chikaji further stressed the importance of developing bankable, priority-aligned projects to attract investment, revealing that Yobe State is positioning itself as a livestock investment hub, with several agreements already secured and more underway.
A key outcome of the workshop was the establishment of a Commissioners and IPA Peer Network, designed to promote sustained collaboration, knowledge exchange, and accountability among participating states.
Participants were encouraged to return to their states with renewed focus, with clear expectations to strengthen investment pipelines, streamline approval processes, improve service delivery, and implement reforms that translate into job creation and economic growth.
The workshop aligns with the broader reform agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, which prioritises private sector-led growth, improved regulatory frameworks, and inclusive economic development.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration between federal and state actors would accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.
