Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment in Ebonyi State by dismantling institutional bottlenecks, eliminating regulatory red tape, and addressing multiple taxation to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
The governor made the commitment during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational MSMEs Stakeholders’ Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop, held at the Women Development Centre (WDC) in Abakaliki.
Represented by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Ebonyi State Ease of Doing Business Council, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, Governor Nwifuru said his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs places Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the heart of the state’s economic development strategy.
He stressed that the government is implementing deliberate reforms aimed at removing obstacles that hinder business growth, while positioning Ebonyi as one of Nigeria’s safest and most attractive destinations for investment.
Addressing public sector officials, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and reform champions during the technical session, the governor urged all government institutions to align with the state’s reform agenda to improve service delivery and strengthen the ease of doing business.
In her virtual address, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, commended the Ebonyi State Government for its proactive approach and strong political commitment to implementing subnational business reforms.
She explained that PEBEC’s engagement in the state was designed to provide technical support, monitor ease-of-doing-business indicators, and collaborate with stakeholders to build a more competitive business environment across key sectors, including agriculture, mining, commerce, and hospitality.
The workshop later progressed into an interactive town hall meeting, bringing together more than 30 organized private sector groups, including the Ebonyi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (EBCCIMA), representatives of the Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry, mining unions, quarry operators, market women associations, transport owners, and civil society organisations.
During the panel discussion, the State Focal Person for the Ease of Doing Business Council, Dr. Stephen Odo, alongside other government officials, engaged directly with members of the business community, receiving feedback on existing challenges while outlining ongoing measures to protect investments, improve market access, and provide infrastructure to support industrial expansion.
The event attracted senior government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onah Chinedu Ogba; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike; Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel A. Echiegu; Deputy Chief of Staff, Engr. Donatus Uche; Commissioner for Information, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh; Commissioner for Agriculture, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku Ezeani; Commissioner for Market Development, Hon. Okwu Oko Udu; Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Ann Aligwe; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Matthew Nwobashi; Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sylvester Nwite; Commissioner for Capital City Development, Prince Richard Idike, other members of the State Executive Council, as well as PEBEC delegates from the Presidency.
The engagement is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the Ebonyi State Government, the private sector, and the Federal Government in advancing reforms that promote enterprise development, improve investor confidence, and accelerate sustainable economic growth across the state.
