KOGI GOV ODODO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AS PEBEC COMMENDS STATE’S BUSINESS REFORMS
By Faith Adikeh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment aimed at attracting investments, creating employment opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth across the state.
The Governor made this known through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Focal Person and Chief Economic Adviser, Aliyu Inda Salami, during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Stakeholder Engagement Reforms Tour 2026 and Technical Workshop on Business-Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness held in Lokoja.
The high-level engagement brought together government officials, development partners, private sector players, business leaders, and investment stakeholders from across the country to assess progress made in improving the ease of doing business at the state level, while exploring strategies to attract increased investment.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of Governor Ododo, Salami emphasized that the administration recognizes the vital role of a conducive business environment in promoting economic prosperity, industrialization, job creation, and improved living standards.
He noted that the government has continued to implement strategic reforms targeted at enhancing regulatory efficiency, promoting transparency and accountability, simplifying government-to-business services, and strengthening private sector participation.
“The Ododo administration remains committed to positioning Kogi State as one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations. Through strategic reforms and innovative policies, we are creating an environment where businesses can thrive and investors can confidently commit their resources,” Salami stated.
He disclosed that Kogi State has recorded measurable progress under the SABER programme, moving from 36th to 30th position in national rankings on business environment performance.
According to him, the state has now entered the consolidation phase of its reform agenda with the development of the 2026 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan. The plan is expected to further simplify business registration processes, improve access to land administration and documentation, strengthen public-private partnership frameworks, expand digital governance initiatives, and boost investment promotion efforts.
Salami further explained that the administration is not only focused on attracting new investors but also on supporting existing businesses within the state.
He revealed that the government has introduced an investor aftercare programme designed to ensure continuous engagement through efficient grievance resolution mechanisms, one-stop investment support services, and post-investment monitoring frameworks.
“The success of existing businesses is as important as attracting new investments. We are building a system where investors receive continuous support to expand operations, create more jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy,” he added.
The administration is also facilitating business expansion through improved land acquisition processes, infrastructure development, and sustained public-private dialogue aimed at addressing operational challenges and encouraging reinvestment.
In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zarah Mustapha Audu, commended Kogi State for the progress made in improving its business climate and investment competitiveness.
She stressed that the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda depends largely on effective collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, particularly in implementing reforms that directly impact businesses and investors.
According to her, subnational governments play a crucial role in determining how easily businesses operate and investments thrive across Nigeria.
“Kogi State has demonstrated commendable commitment to improving its business environment. Sustaining these reforms will be critical to unlocking greater economic opportunities, attracting investments, and driving long-term growth,” she said.
Other PEBEC officials also praised the state’s efforts, describing Kogi as strategically positioned with vast economic potential due to its role as a gateway between the northern and southern regions of the country.
They urged the state government to strengthen investment promotion through improved branding strategies, harmonized revenue systems, digital payment solutions, and the establishment of a comprehensive one-stop investment centre to ease business operations.
The workshop featured technical sessions and presentations on regulatory impact assessment, investment competitiveness, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the role of small claims courts in promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating efficient debt recovery for small businesses.
Participants expressed optimism that the administration’s reform-driven policies would continue to unlock new economic opportunities, attract both local and foreign investments, stimulate industrial development, and strengthen Kogi State’s position as a preferred investment destination.
Stakeholders further noted that sustained reforms, effective implementation, and strong collaboration between government and the private sector would be key to translating policy initiatives into tangible economic benefits for citizens.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support ongoing business reforms and strengthen partnerships aimed at accelerating economic growth and enhancing Kogi State’s competitiveness in both national and global investment landscapes.
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