Abuja, Nigeria – The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has called on the Borno State government to intensify its ongoing business environment reforms in order to attract more investment and accelerate economic growth in the region.
In a recent engagement with state officials, PEBEC reiterated the need for Borno to build on its initial reform efforts, particularly as the state continues its post-conflict recovery and reconstruction phase. The Council emphasized that a more business-friendly climate would not only boost local enterprise but also signal stability and opportunity to both domestic and international investors.
PEBEC urged the state to focus on key areas including streamlining business registration processes, improving transparency in land administration, strengthening contract enforcement mechanisms, and enhancing trade facilitation across borders. These measures, according to the Council, are critical to improving the state’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business metrics.
“Borno has shown commendable commitment to reform, but there is a clear need to deepen those changes to create sustainable business growth,” a PEBEC spokesperson said. “Reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensuring regulatory predictability will help small businesses thrive and attract larger-scale investments into agriculture, manufacturing, and services.”
The Council also highlighted the importance of digitalization in governance, recommending that Borno expand e-government solutions to reduce physical interactions, cut processing times, and curb corruption risks at the state and local government levels.
In response, Borno State government representatives acknowledged the recommendations and reaffirmed their commitment to improving the business climate. Officials noted that ongoing efforts to rebuild infrastructure, restore security, and support entrepreneurship remain top priorities.
Economic analysts have noted that Borno—despite its security challenges—holds significant potential in sectors such as agro-processing, renewable energy, and cross-border trade with neighboring countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Deeper business reforms could unlock these opportunities and create jobs for the state’s growing youth population.
PEBEC continues to partner with state governments across Nigeria to drive subnational reforms, offering technical assistance and reform toolkits. The Council has urged Borno to take advantage of these resources and set clear timelines for implementing the next phase of its business climate reforms.
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