Shettima urges states to accelerate reforms to unlock $750m SABER programme
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments to fast-track business-enabling reforms to fully unlock the potential of the $750 million World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme.
Speaking on Tuesday at a stakeholder meeting on improving SABER implementation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said effective delivery of the programme would help create a more predictable business environment capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
He noted that improved implementation would strengthen private-sector confidence, reduce the cost of doing business, expand infrastructure, improve access to land and commercial justice systems, and enhance state-level competitiveness.
“These outcomes will translate into increased economic activity, higher productivity, job creation, improved internally generated revenue, and better living standards for our citizens,” the Vice President said.
Shettima also directed the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zarah Mustapha-Audu, to initiate steps toward extending the lifespan of the programme by one year to allow states more time to fully access and implement its opportunities.
He stressed that Nigeria’s broader ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy depends heavily on the successful implementation of reforms at both federal and subnational levels.
“As a nation, we have embarked on a bold economic reform agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The success of this agenda depends significantly on our ability to create an enabling environment for businesses to invest, expand, and create jobs,” Shettima said.
He added that while the Federal Government continues to implement reforms at the national level, the real experience of investors is largely shaped at the state level, making subnational participation in SABER critical.
