By Femi Bolaji

JALINGO — The Taraba State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the state through reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate and supporting economic growth.

The commitment was highlighted during a technical workshop on business-enabling reforms and investment competitiveness held in Jalingo in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.

Speaking at the event, Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by the Commissioner for Rural and Urban Development, Dr. Emmanuel Lawson, said the administration is implementing measures designed to strengthen institutions, support businesses, and encourage investment.

According to him, the reforms are intended to create a more efficient operating environment for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and enhance the state’s attractiveness to investors.

The Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha Audu, emphasized the importance of transparency, efficient service delivery, and digital governance in attracting investment.

She encouraged the state government to continue efforts in areas such as land administration, tax administration, and the use of digital platforms to improve access to information and government services.

“Investors compare opportunities across states. They look for reliable institutions, service delivery timelines that are met, and a strong digital presence that provides clear information on incentives and policies,” she said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Danjuma Saigudu, disclosed plans to establish a One-Stop Investment Centre to facilitate access to information and government services for prospective investors.

He said the centre is expected to provide information on key sectors of the state’s economy, including agriculture, mining, and energy.

Saigudu added that the introduction of digital tracking and feedback systems would help improve service delivery and streamline administrative processes.

The workshop brought together participants from government institutions, the private sector, and development organisations to discuss business-environment reforms, regulatory processes, and investment facilitation strategies aimed at promoting economic development in the state.