The Federal Government has stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between federal and state authorities in creating an enabling environment that attracts investment, stimulates business growth and strengthens Nigeria’s economy.
This position was conveyed on Thursday in Awka by the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Mrs Zahrah Audu, during the Nationwide Sub-national Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop.
Audu said Nigeria’s economic transformation would depend largely on the success of coordinated reforms implemented across all levels of government.
She noted that the current administration is pursuing a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at improving the business climate, enhancing competitiveness and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
According to her, sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved solely through policies formulated at the federal level, as states and local governments also play critical roles in shaping the investment landscape.
“The future of the country’s economy will be determined not only by decisions made in Abuja but also by developments in states, local councils, industrial zones, technology hubs, agricultural communities and other centres of economic activity,” she said.
Audu explained that investors often assess individual states based on factors such as regulatory efficiency, infrastructure quality, policy stability and ease of doing business before making investment decisions.
She added that the nationwide engagement initiative was designed to deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments while encouraging reforms capable of unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Chukwuma Soludo reaffirmed Anambra State’s commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and economic expansion.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, the governor said his administration had implemented targeted reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions, improving governance and restoring confidence in government processes.
He stated that efforts had also been made to upgrade infrastructure, improve security and digitise public services to make Anambra a more attractive destination for investors.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye, described the PEBEC engagement as a valuable opportunity for interaction between government officials, business operators and other stakeholders.
According to him, the initiative allows participants to review ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business and identify areas requiring further reforms.
Okoye explained that PEBEC, under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, is conducting visits to states across the country to evaluate progress in business reforms and gather feedback from stakeholders.
He added that the engagement provided Anambra with an opportunity to showcase achievements recorded in infrastructure development, governance, security and other sectors that support economic growth.
Describing the town hall session as an important platform for dialogue, Okoye said it encourages collaboration among government institutions, the private sector and development partners.
He reiterated the state’s determination to sustain reforms that will enhance investor confidence, expand economic opportunities and further improve the overall business environment in Anambra.