Kogi Hosts PEBEC 2026 Engagement, Highlights SABER Reforms, Investment Opportunities

The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investments, generating employment opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth as it hosted the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Stakeholder Engagement and Reform Tour 2026 in Lokoja.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Focal Person and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Inda Salami, welcomed delegates from PEBEC, development partners, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders to the state, describing the engagement as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration in pursuit of a more competitive and investor-friendly economy.

Salami said the Ododo administration recognizes the importance of business-enabling reforms in stimulating economic growth, attracting investments, creating jobs, and improving the welfare of citizens.

According to him, Kogi State has remained committed to improving regulatory efficiency, enhancing transparency, simplifying government-to-business services, and promoting private sector development through the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme and other strategic initiatives.

He commended PEBEC for its sustained efforts in driving reforms across Nigeria, noting that the nationwide engagement provides an opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges, share best practices, and chart a course for sustainable economic development.

Highlighting the state’s reform journey, Salami explained that Kogi has focused on improving land administration by streamlining processes to facilitate faster access to land for investors while reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks affecting investments in agriculture, industry, and commerce.

He also pointed to reforms in fibre optic infrastructure regulation aimed at creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, expanding broadband penetration, improving digital access for businesses and citizens, and laying the foundation for a thriving digital economy.

The Chief Economic Adviser further disclosed that the state has strengthened its investment promotion framework by enhancing the institutional capacity of its investment promotion agency, improving investor support services, expanding investment outreach programmes, and fostering stronger public-private partnerships for infrastructure and economic development.

Salami noted that efforts to simplify government procedures, improve digital governance, enhance coordination among ministries, departments and agencies, and promote transparent service delivery have significantly reduced compliance costs and delays for businesses.

He stated that under Governor Ododo’s leadership, the state has deepened implementation of key reform milestones and reporting requirements under the SABER programme while consistently developing annual Business Enabling Reforms Action Plans from 2022 to date.

Among the notable achievements, he said, is the launch of the Kogi State Ease of Doing Business Handbook, making Kogi the first state in Nigeria to publish a comprehensive guide aimed at simplifying business processes and improving investor experience.

Salami added that the state has strengthened collaboration with PEBEC, the World Bank, and other development partners in advancing reforms designed to improve the investment climate.

He revealed that Kogi, which ranked 30th among Nigeria’s 36 states in the 2021 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Assessment, has continued to improve its performance through sustained implementation of SABER reforms, moving into a more competitive position and demonstrating growing investor confidence.

The government, he said, is now consolidating reforms through further simplification of business registration procedures, improved access to land documentation, stronger public-private partnership frameworks, expanded digital governance initiatives, enhanced investment promotion, and greater transparency in government transactions.

Salami also highlighted the state’s investment aftercare initiatives, which include continuous engagement with existing investors, efficient grievance resolution mechanisms, one-stop investment support services, post-investment monitoring, and assistance with land access, permits, approvals, and infrastructure support to encourage business expansion and reinvestment.

He maintained that these reforms have already resulted in improved investor confidence, faster access to government services, enhanced transparency and accountability, better land administration processes, stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, improved digital infrastructure, and increased attractiveness of Kogi State as an investment destination.

Describing SABER as a veritable framework for economic transformation, Salami said the reforms are positioning Kogi State as a preferred destination for investment, enterprise development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

He expressed optimism that continued implementation of the reforms would deepen private sector participation, accelerate economic diversification, and promote shared prosperity for the people of the state.

The event also featured technical sessions and stakeholder discussions aimed at strengthening business-enabling reforms and improving investment competitiveness across the state.

The Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, commended Kogi State for the progress made in improving its business climate and investment competitiveness, urging the government to sustain the momentum by deepening institutional reforms and maintaining investor confidence. She emphasized that effective collaboration among federal, state, and local governments remains critical to advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda and unlocking greater opportunities for businesses and investors.

Stakeholders at the engagement expressed confidence that the state’s reform agenda would continue to attract local and foreign investments while strengthening Kogi’s position as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations.