WITH PEBEC, NIGERIA WILL SOON BECOME AN INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION, AS TARABA STATE GOVERNMENT EMBRACES INITIATIVE
In efforts by the Federal Government to transform the economic and business narrative in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) with the aim of removing bureaucratic and legislative constraints in doing business in Nigeria, making the country a more attractive place for businesses to start and grow. According to the PEBEC project Manager, Dr. Aimeya Okepholo the main objectives behind establishment of the presidential initiatives includes
Removing bureaucratic and legislative bottlenecks: PEBEC works to streamline processes and reduce the time, cost, and number of procedures involved in starting and operating a business.
Improving the perception of the ease of doing business: meaning that by implementing reforms and promoting transparency, PEBEC aims to change the narrative around doing business in Nigeria and attract both local and foreign investments
Fostering collaboration and institutional change: According to her PEBEC collaborates with various government agencies and stakeholders to drive systemic change and ensure that reforms are effectively implemented and sustained.
Deepening the impact of reforms: She said PEBEC focuses on ensuring that reforms are felt at the frontline level, where businesses interact with government services.
Promoting transparency and efficiency: By improving the efficiency of public service delivery, PEBEC aims to reduce opportunities for rent-seeking and corruption, creating a more level playing field for businesses.
Strategic communications: PEBEC utilizes strategic communication to inform businesses and the public about ongoing reforms and their impact.
Subnational reforms: PEBEC also focuses on implementing reforms at the state level, recognizing that a conducive business environment requires action at all levels of government.
The PEBEC team led by the Project Manager, Dr. Aimeya Okepholo the PEBEC project manager, said she and her team were in the state to unlock Taraba’s business opportunities, connect the state to investors to improve economic activities, and encourage partners and individuals to harness the untapped potentials.
According to her,it is a nationwide program and Taraba is the last state in the North East Zone to be visited to have interaction with stakeholders and to also brainstorm on ways of easing business development by identifying bureaucratic bottlenecks with the aim of removing them so that business can thrive in Taraba state and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Taraba State government has promised to collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to accelerate reforms and enhance competitiveness, improving the lives and economic opportunities in the state.
The governor said that PEBEC remains relevant since it was established in July 2016; it has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s business environment reform intervention.
“We in Taraba State are fully committed to this national drive, understanding that a thriving private sector is the engine of sustainable growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
The permanent Secretary, Ministry of budget and economic Planning Taraba State, Dr.Danjuma, Ismaila Saigudu also explained that, part of what the team is looking at to ease businesses is infrastructure such as electricity, acquisition of land, roads etc .
He also commended the initiative pointing out that one of the areas of interest is the streamlining of the registration processes for beginners, adding that this has removed in no small measure stressful procedures in legalizing businesses with PEBEC.
Danjuma also said that the Taraba State Government is conscious about elements of insecurity like what is happening at Zamfara and other states knowing fully well that business cannot thrive in a chaotic environment that is why there is a task force to check the excesses illegal miners deforestation, causing environmental degradation in the state.
The Taraba Focal person, State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, Mr Nata’ala Kaigama also explained the significance of the PEBEC visit to the state which according to him was to interact with business people for the purpose of identifying bureaucratic bottle necks challenging smooth growths of businesses in the state, especially when it has to do with the judiciary, executive etc 
