Kefas Approves One-Stop Investment Centre, Digital Portal

The Taraba State Government has approved the establishment of a One-Stop Investment Centre primarily to simplify investment processes in the state.

The government also approved a comprehensive state digital portal to attract local and foreign investors to the state.

The approval, granted by Governor Agbu Kefas, forms part of ongoing reforms to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EDB) and enhance Taraba’s competitiveness as an investment destination in the country.

The development was part of the observations made during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Sub-National Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop 2026 on Business Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness held in Jalingo recently.

Permanent Secretary, Budget, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Danjuma Ismaila Saigudu, in an exclusive interview, told LEADERSHIP that the state had addressed most of the observations raised during the engagement and was putting in place structures to facilitate investment and economic growth.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the proposed digital portal will integrate all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and showcase Taraba’s human and natural resources, investment opportunities, incentives, and regulatory processes.

Mr Saidugu said the platform is expected to provide prospective investors with access to critical information and enable them to complete most investment-related procedures remotely, without the need to visit the state.

He further revealed that the timeline for processing investment applications has been reduced from 21 days to 14 days, except in cases requiring physical documentation, the signing of agreements, or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

“His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, has approved the establishment of a One-Stop Investment Centre as well as the design of a comprehensive state website to facilitate seamless investment processes,” he stated.

Mr Saigudu noted that Taraba, often described as the Nature’s Gift to the Nation, possesses vast economic potential in agriculture, solid minerals, livestock production, energy, and tourism, adding that the reforms are targeted at unlocking these opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary said the state was already implementing a series of reforms to strengthen the economy and improve residents’ living standards.

“The reforms focus on institutional strengthening, regulatory efficiency and digital transformation to create a more investor-friendly environment.

“Taraba State continues to take deliberate steps to improve service delivery, modernise governance and create an environment where investors feel welcome and protected.

“From improving land administration to enhancing digital platforms and supporting small and medium enterprises, we remain committed to reforms that unlock our economic potential,” Saigudu said.

He then stressed the importance of establishing a strong digital presence for the state. He urged government agencies to provide accurate, up-to-date information on investment opportunities, incentives, and reforms across official websites and social media platforms.

“Investors want credible information, reliable institutions and a seamless process. They are interested in what existing businesses say about a state and whether government commitments can be sustained beyond changes in administration,” he added.

Saigudu also disclosed plans to operationalise the One-Stop Investment Centre, which will serve as a central hub for information on opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy and other strategic sectors.

“We are working towards creating a platform where investors can easily access information about the state’s opportunities and make informed decisions within the shortest possible time.