By Ebele Iyke Odili
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a more investor-friendly environment as stakeholders from across the private and public sectors converged at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, on June 10 for the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Town Hall Engagement.
The engagement, which served as a platform for dialogue on business reforms and investment promotion, attracted manufacturers, chambers of commerce, real estate developers, SMEs and business owners, exporters, market associations, banks and financial institutions, professional bodies, and government agencies involved in business regulation.
In her welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Anambra State Ease of Doing Business Council, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, highlighted the numerous reforms and strategic interventions implemented by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to improve the state’s business climate and attract investment.
According to her, the state government has remained deliberate in removing bottlenecks to business growth, strengthening institutional frameworks and creating an enabling environment that supports enterprise development and economic expansion.
“We are committed to making Anambra one of the easiest places to do business in Nigeria. The reforms being implemented by the Soludo administration are geared toward improving investor confidence, enhancing service delivery and driving sustainable economic growth,” she said.
The Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, delivered an overview of the Council’s mandate and the ongoing Nationwide Subnational Engagement Tour, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions and the private sector to improve the business environment across the country.
She noted that the engagement was designed to identify regulatory challenges faced by businesses and develop practical solutions that would stimulate investment and economic productivity.
Speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, reiterated Anambra’s position as Nigeria’s foremost hub for trade and commerce, noting that the Soludo administration has continued to implement policies aimed at strengthening the business environment and boosting investor confidence.
He said that the Ministry of Commerce has established mechanisms to address disputes within markets and business communities through an effective Grievance Redress Mechanism.
According to him, dedicated channels have been created for reporting business-related complaints, while efforts have been put in place to ensure that reported cases are resolved within 21 working days.
“Anambra has always been known for trade and commerce. As a government, we are determined to ensure that businesses operate in a peaceful and conducive environment. Through our grievance redress mechanism, complaints can be reported and resolved promptly to encourage investor confidence and business growth,” Ebonwu said.
Members of the PEBEC team, including Ifeanyi Icheke, Gabriel Ohemeh and Ifeanyi Ofodubem, delivered presentations on Strengthening Regulatory Governance through Regulatory Impact Analysis, Understanding the Investment Lifecycle and Improving Investor Experience, the One Government Approach through One-Stop Shop and Integrated Service Delivery, Harmonization of Levies, Fees and Regulatory Charges, as well as the Introduction to the PEBEC Portal and Digital Reform Tools.
Speaking on Anambra State Business Enabling Reforms, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye, outlined the state’s achievements in creating a conducive environment for investment and enterprise growth.
He said that the Soludo administration had undertaken far-reaching reforms in governance, infrastructure, digitalization and service delivery, all of which have contributed to increased investor confidence and business expansion within the state.
Okoye said that Anambra’s remarkable progress in digital governance has earned the state national and international recognition, noting that the Commonwealth recently ranked Anambra State third in e-governance.
Also speaking, Barr. Ifunnanya Chidi highlighted the state’s efforts in enhancing access to justice and strengthening commercial dispute resolution mechanisms.
Her presentation focused on the Small Claims Court and the Multi-Door Courthouse System, both of which are designed to provide faster and more efficient resolution of commercial disputes.
Stakeholders at the engagement commended the ongoing reforms of the Soludo administration and expressed optimism that the collaborative approach being championed by both the Anambra State Government and PEBEC would further enhance the ease of doing business, attract more investments and accelerate economic development in the state.
The town hall engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory efficiency, improve investor experience and position Anambra State as a leading destination for business and investment in Nigeria.
Ebele Iyke-Odili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
