In a bid to deepen business reform implementation and attract private sector growth, the Katsina State Government has hosted a high-level technical session and town hall meeting in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
Held at the state secretariat in Katsina, the event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to assess progress on the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) and explore strategies to further improve the regulatory environment.
Governor Dikko Radda, represented by his deputy Farouk Lawal Jobe, said the engagement underscores Katsina's commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fostering a more business-friendly ecosystem.
"We understand that the private sector drives real development. Government's role is to create the right conditions for SMEs to thrive," Jobe noted, highlighting efforts such as the establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency to support entrepreneurs.
Read also
The Director-General of PEBEC, Mrs. Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, emphasized the significance of state-level reforms and pledged continued collaboration to enhance policy implementation. "Our goal is to ensure every state contributes meaningfully to building a nationally competitive business environment," she said.
The forum also featured contributions from the State Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Yusuf Rabi'u Jirdede, who reaffirmed the state's alignment with national economic goals, and the DG of the Katsina Investment Promotion Agency, Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, who outlined ongoing reform efforts focused on transparency, technology, and private-sector leadership.
Panel discussions during the town hall explored practical ways to strengthen institutional reforms and drive inclusive growth across sectors.
PEBEC was established in 2016 to remove bureaucratic obstacles to doing business in Nigeria. Through its SABER initiative, the council works with states to implement reforms that enhance economic competitiveness at sub-national levels.
