Kebbi rolls out new investment reforms, executive orders

The Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen its investment climate through a series of reforms and executive orders aimed at making the state more attractive to local and foreign investors.

The Director-General of the Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr Muhammad Kamba, disclosed this on Tuesday during a ministerial press briefing organised in collaboration with the State Ministry of Information and Culture.

Kamba said the administration of Governor Nasir Idris had recorded significant progress in repositioning the agency to drive economic growth and create a more efficient, transparent and investor-friendly business environment.

According to him, the agency has established a clear roadmap for building a competitive and investment-ready economy through systemic reforms, strategic partnerships and innovation.

KIPA has set a clear direction toward building a competitive, transparent and investment-ready economy driven by systemic reforms, strategic partnerships and innovation,” he said.

He explained that the agency was collaborating with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, with technical support from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, to align Kebbi State with ongoing national business reforms.

Kamba noted that the reforms are being implemented in line with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council framework, which targets key areas affecting business operations and investment.

“PEBEC is implementing systemic reforms across critical sectors, including improving the efficiency of property registration and ensuring the sustainability of land-based investment processes,” he said.

The KIPA boss stated that the reform agenda also seeks to strengthen regulations governing private investment in fibre-optic infrastructure, establish an effective Public-Private Partnership framework and improve transparency in government fees and procedures.

He added that efforts were also being made to clarify levies affecting interstate trade and exporter certification, simplify the local business tax regime and ensure faster resolution of commercial disputes.

Speaking on institutional governance, Kamba described it as a central component of the state’s investment strategy.

He said Executive Order No. 04 of 2023 provides a framework for responsible and inclusive land-intensive agricultural investments, while Executive Order No. 05 of 2023 promotes transparency, accountability and efficiency by simplifying administrative procedures across government institutions.

“Institutional governance remains at the heart of our reform agenda. Executive Order No. 05 of 2023 institutionalises simplified administrative procedures across MDAs to enhance the ease of doing business in Kebbi State,” he said.

Dr. Kamba further revealed that the Investment Promotion and Facilitation System, established in December 2023, was designed to strengthen the state’s capacity to attract, retain and facilitate investments.

He also disclosed that the state’s PPP Unit had developed a governance structure and was strengthening partnerships with several national and international institutions to support investment growth.

Among the organisations collaborating with the state, he listed the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Bank of Industry (BOI), Afreximbank, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), North West Development Commission (NWDC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

According to him, these partnerships are expected to align Kebbi State with national and regional investment frameworks while opening new opportunities for economic development.

The reforms, he said, underscore the commitment of Governor Idris’ administration to creating an enabling environment that supports private-sector growth, attracts investment and drives sustainable economic development across the state.