From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Zamfara State Government has explained why it amended some business-enabling laws and established five small claims courts, saying it’s for the betterment of the business class in the state.
This was disclosed on Monday by the state’s Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders on State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), held at the JB Yakubu Secretariat, Dr. Garba Nadama Hall in Gusau, the state capital.
The Zamfara Deputy Governor explained that PEBEC was established to oversee Nigeria’s Business Environment Reforms Intervention, with a dual mandate of removing bureaucratic and legislative constraints to doing business.
“Zamfara State Government has keyed into this very important initiative of the Federal Government by constituting the State Ease of Doing Business Council.
However, the program was also domesticated under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER),” he explained according to a statement issued in Sokoto on Monday.
According to him, the State Government amended many of its business-enabling laws and enacted new ones, either by legislation or executive orders, regarding land administration, simplified tax regime, improved deployment of infrastructure, waivers, business incentives, and determination of commercial disputes.
“One of the important areas is the establishment of five small claims courts and the provision of practice directions to these courts for the betterment of our business class,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Zamfara State Focal Person PEBEC, Sani Bukkuyum, who doubled as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, advised stakeholders at the town hall meeting to actively participate with meaningful discussions and come up with solutions that would assist the government’s efforts in building a resilient and inclusive economy for all to benefit.
“Let us make Zamfara a state with a future where our businesses thrive with more development,” he stated.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Aminu Guraguri, and the Permanent Secretary of the Donor and Multilateral Agency, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, disclosed that the meeting came at a better time for the state.
“Zamfara State is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, and with the right policies, partnerships, and reforms, we can unlock its full economic potential.”
The proactive steps taken by the state government to improve the ease of doing business, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance investor confidence are steps toward a promising Zamfara State.
“Today’s dialogue provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and align strategies for a more business-friendly Zamfara.”
“By working together, we can address challenges, streamline processes, and implement policies that will make Zamfara a model of economic prosperity in Nigeria.”