Gombe Targets Return To Top As PEBEC Business Environment Reforms

Gombe State government has expressed confidence that it will reclaim its position among Nigeria’s top-performing states on ease of doing business, following a review of its performance by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

At the opening session of the PEBEC Town Hall and State Engagement held in Gombe yesterday, the deputy governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, said the state was committed to strengthening reforms that support businesses, improve service delivery and attract investment.

The engagement, organised by PEBEC in collaboration with the Gombe State Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, brought together government officials, regulators, security agencies, investors and private sector players to assess the state’s business environment and identify areas for improvement.

Jatau noted that ease of doing business goes beyond commercial transactions, stressing that it encompasses efficiency, transparency and accountability across government institutions and the private sector. “Whatever you are doing, even if you are an entrepreneur, it is essential that you do it in good time and with honesty,” he said. He explained that the town hall was designed to build on existing reforms and identify gaps requiring attention.

LEADERSHIP reports that Gombe was ranked Nigeria’s top state for ease of doing business in 2021 and 2022. However, the state lost its leading position in the latest rankings.

Reacting to the development, the deputy governor described the top spot as a dangerous position because maintaining it requires continuous innovation and improvement. “We have noted where we may have lagged behind, and I am sure we will return to our status,” he said.

PEBEC’s North-East Team Lead, Aimeya Okpebholo, said the town hall was part of a nationwide engagement aimed at helping states understand the indicators used in the council’s subnational ease of doing business rankings.

According to her, states are assessed based on several indicators, including electricity supply, regulatory efficiency, investment promotion frameworks and the effectiveness of one-stop investment centres.

She added that the engagement would also enable private sector operators to interact directly with government officials, raise concerns and identify challenges affecting businesses.

Also speaking, the executive chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, Aisha Adamu, highlighted tax reforms implemented by the state government to simplify compliance and improve the business climate.

She said the state had domesticated the new tax law and harmonised state and local government taxes into nine streamlined items.

According to her, businesses now receive a single demand notice covering all taxes and levies, while payments are processed through a unified digital platform. She attributed the state’s revenue growth to sustained taxpayer sensitisation and improved transparency.

“The taxpayers can see that the payments they make go directly to government, and the government, in turn, fulfils its part of the social contract by providing infrastructure and services,” she said.