Gombe Govt. deepens business reforms to boost investment

The Gombe government says it will deepen business reforms and partner with the private sector to boost investment for sustainable development of the state.

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya said this at the inauguration of the Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) Stakeholders Engagement, on Thursday in Gombe.

Yahaya said that his administration initiated several reforms initiated aimed at creating a more conducive business environment in the state.

Represented by his deputy, Manassah Jatau, the governor said policy direction, sustained reforms and strong collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and the development partners had earned the state the first position in ease of doing business for two consecutive years.

“The event we are gathered here has to do with 2026 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan.

“Today’s BERAP stakeholders meeting is to present to you what the government has done and is still doing in the economic sector.

“The essence is for you stakeholders to appraise, make suggestions, observations, contributions that will further enrich the plan.

“We must remain focused on the practical needs of investors, businesses, and our society/communities,” he said.

According to Yahaya, part of the reforms include land administration which continues to bring about desired outcomes, with easier and timely issues of secured lands documents.

He said the state had also broadened tax base through improved mechanism for the informal sector and integration of technology based payment systems.

“Our aims and objectives in all these improvements are not just to the large scale investors, but to also encourage and support small and medium enterprises who are in larger numbers across all the communities in the state.
“These will generate employment, strengthen local value chain, ensure storage, processing of raw products and finally create market access,” he said.

Muhammad Gambo, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, said the meeting aimed at identifying gaps and strengthening coordination that would make it easier to start, operate, and grow a business in the state.

He said the state had made significant progress in modernising government processes, improving revenue administration, and strengthening public financial management.

“However, there is still more to be done to ensure that reforms are not only designed but effectively implemented.

“We also understand that reforms cannot be developed in isolation. The private sector – the engine of our economy must be actively involved in shaping these policies.

“Your insights, feedback, and lived experiences will help us refine the Action Plan so that it reflects real challenges and provides workable, impactful solutions,” he said.