The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday 10th December, 2024 the business Community in the State to discuss better ways to enhance business activities, economic recovery and prosperity.
Governor Mutfwang during the Business Enabling Environment Dialogue/Dinner with the business Community reiterated the commitment of his administration to providing the needed enabling environment for business to thrive in order to achieve economic recovery and prosperity in the State.
The dialogue/dinner organised by the Plateau Investment and Property Company (PIPC) in collocation with Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency PLASMIDA) and Plateau State One Stop Investment Centre (PS-OSIC) with support from GIZ.
The event which held at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Plateau State brought top Government functionaries, captains of industry and investors under the same roof to discuss ways of creating a more conducive environment for economic growth and development in Plateau State.
Gov. Mutfwang acknowledged the immense contributions of the business community in promoting development of the State and lauded their resilience in the face of economic challenges being faced.
The Governor outlined the key sectors of the State such as agriculture, energy and transportation who according to him have the propensity of making the State achieve its full potentials.
He spoke on the plans of his administration to expand commodity markets, promote innovative farming techniques and encourage agro-processing in order to achieve the vision of transforming the State to become national and global food hub. According to him, his administration will not relent in maximising it’s agricultural, tourism and energy potentials to achieve prosperity for the State and its Citizens.
He also highlighted the ongoing reforms in the energy sector which include infrastructural upgrade, development of mini-grid and revitalising Nigerian Electricity Supply Corporation (NESCO) Nigeria Limited to enable it generate and supply steady and sustainable power to businesses and households who depend largely on energy.
He harped on the need for public-private collaboration, local content promotion, and restructured tax systems to increase internally generated revenue. He reaffirmed his vision for a self-reliant Plateau State, urging stakeholders to remain committed to partnerships that will overcome challenges and build a resilient economy. The Governor also reassured the Citizens of more attention to the transport sector to address the challenges faced.
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Plateau State Investment and Property Company (PIPC), Hon. Danlami Jelka hinted that the engagement was a testament to the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in driving economic growth and fostering a conducive business environment.
He further stated that the objective of the event was to strengthen the relationship between the Plateau State Government and the vibrant business community that serves as the backbone of the State’s economy.
He said the event has made available a veritable provide a platform for direct interaction with the business community, enabling the government to listen attentively to its challenges and concerns.
In his words “This exchange will serve as a foundation for sustainable solutions and impactful reforms”
He further said the event seek to highlight the State Government’s dedication to improving the Business Enabling Environment (BEE) and to outline specific measures and initiatives that demonstrate this commitment.
Secretary to the Government of the State and Chairman of the Ease of Doing Business Council, Arc. Samuel Jatau in his remarks disclosed that the critical dialogue was aimed at fostering greater and greater collaboration between the State government and business Community to enable robust discussions on the challenges being faced by the business community and jointly discuss sustainable reforms for implementation.
He stated that the State government is committed to creating a business-friendly environment to enhance business growth and job opportunities.
He listed some of the reforms carried out by the present administration in the State to include ease of doing business, infrastructural development, energy reforms, access to finance and security enhancement.
He said the State government is committed to partner with financial institutions to increase access to affordable credit facilities for businesses in the State.
The event featured Panel discussion by Heads of some critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) such as PIPC Ltd, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), Plateau State One Stop Investment Centre (PS-OSIC), Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission and the Plateau Express Service Limited who made sectoral presentations on their achievements so far and what the Citizens should expect in the future.
There were also presentations by the Business Community as well as goodwill messages from the Executive Director of the Plateau Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA), Mr. Dauda Gashi and Head of Component GIZ Nigeria, Barrister Akin Omoware who all highlighted the importance of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to the economy of the State and Nation at large. They lauded the efforts put in place by the State government to revive the economy of the State.
Barr. Akin decried how businesses are being confronted with challenges ranging from poor power supply being occasioned by national grid collapse, inflation, poor infrastructural development, insecurity and others which he said should be addressed if economic growth is to be attained.
He urged government to provide alternative robust energy market, patronise local products to keep the money in the State’s economy as well as implement sound policies that will attract and retain investments.
count | 312
