PEBEC pushes peer learning to bridge sub-national reform gaps
The Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has said the Council is intensifying efforts to deepen reforms across Nigeria’s states through collaboration, data-driven assessment,
The Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has said the Council is intensifying efforts to deepen reforms across Nigeria’s states through collaboration, data-driven assessment, and continuous engagement with sub-national actors.
She spoke during a peer-to-peer learning workshop held in Abuja, organised in collaboration with development partners including the World Bank under its State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, where commissioners of commerce and heads of state investment promotion agencies (IPAs) converged to share experiences and strategies for improving the business environment.
Addressing concerns over uneven implementation of reforms across states, Audu emphasised that growth must be approached collectively, noting that isolated successes cannot drive national transformation.
“So growth is a continuous conversation. And what we've seen since inception, well, since my inception, since last year, we're trying to monitor what we've done with the sub-national. If you recall last year, we went on our nationwide tour, which we will repeat again at the end of May. This engagement specifically was designed to try and bridge the gap. We have some states that are clearly excelling and others that may be lagging behind. And there's no better way to show somebody how to do it than by using practical real life examples.
“So we believe that our sub-nationals, the commissioners who were here present, the heads of IPAs who were here present, had a lot to learn. We had a lot to learn and had a lot to share, which is also very important. So we believe that we will start to take steps towards transformation. For Nigeria to grow, it has to be holistic. It cannot just be federal policies at the federal level. And it cannot just be one or two states excelling. We have to handhold ourselves. Yes, there's a level of competition, and there has to be because competition is healthy, but there also has to be a level of collaboration, right? Because at the end of the day, all we know is we want to attract investment into Nigeria. And as such, this was quite a successful outing for us.”
On how PEBEC measures the impact of its reforms beyond rankings, particularly in areas such as SME growth, job creation, and informal sector participation, the DG underscored the importance of data as the foundation for evaluation.
“So honestly, the ranking is a huge part of it. Why? Data speaks, right? You can't measure any impact based on your bias, based on your opinion, based on your personal preferences, but we speak to data. And in gathering that data, we collaborate with many state players. We also collaborate with many organized private sector players. And then of course, because Pebec goes on its own nationwide tour, we're able to have firsthand information of what is going on in those states.
“Because when we go on the nationwide tour, we have technical sessions in the morning, and then we have a town hall meeting, meeting with the main business players or the main business representatives in those states. That helps give us an idea of what is going on. Of course, there are other factors, there are clear metrics as to how we're able to rank, but the ranking is important because it's data driven, right? Data is the background and the key to everything at the end of the day. This helps us ascertain where we are, what we've done right, and what needs to be improved on, yeah.”
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Audu further outlined expectations for participants at the workshop, stressing knowledge transfer, technical support, and sustained engagement as critical components of reform implementation at the state level.
“So for the commissioners, as well as the heads of investment promotion, we hope we have strengthened them because knowledge is key. I keep saying to people, I am continuously learning, like every day, every experience, I keep affording myself an opportunity to learn from all interactions with people.
“So for starters, yes, we have exposed them to a lot because we've brought in a lot of facilitators with support from the likes of the British High Commission, Afrexim, the World Bank, who are our partners, et cetera. So they've been exposed to a lot. In addition to that, we've given them templates. So we haven't just told the story, we've shown them how to do it. Don't forget that with Pebec, we have continuous technical assistance all through the year.
“So yes, we have some of these engagements that bring them together, but we are dealing with the states on a one-to-one basis all through the year. Again, we've digitalized our entire process at Pebec. And what this means is that we are able to, we have a portal, so we are able to, in real time, respond to them when they have issues. And then there's also a backdrop where they can go to at any time to get information.
“So we are now like, I guess, a repository for information as it regards to creating an enabling business environment, facilitating investment flow into the country, and just guiding our states towards better principles and better practices.”
The Federal Government emphasised that Nigeria’s economic transformation will depend largely on the effectiveness of reforms at the state level, urging sub-national governments to translate policy into tangible, investment-ready outcomes.
The position was articulated by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, at the close of event.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Hadejia said sustained regulatory reforms and improved coordination across all tiers of government remain critical to positioning Nigeria as a competitive investment destination.
“It is a distinct honour to address you at the close of this strategic Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop convened under the auspices of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.
“Let me begin by bringing you warm greetings from the chairman of the Council His Excellency Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON under his able leadership PEBEC has sustained institutional leadership in driving regulatory reform and improving Nigeria’s business climate. The Council has continued to strengthen intergovernmental coordination, deepen reform implementation, and promote a more predictable and transparent operating environment for businesses.”
He commended participants for their engagement, noting that their contributions reflect a shared commitment to strengthening sub-national competitiveness.
“I extend deep appreciation to all participants whose engagement over the past two days, this reflects a shared commitment to advancing subnational competitiveness.”
Hadejia stressed that states are central to the country’s economic architecture, as they serve as the primary interface for investors and the locus of value creation.
“Distinguished participants, one fundamental reality has emerged with increasing clarity: Nigeria’s economic transformation will be driven not only by federal policy direction, but by the effectiveness of execution at the subnational level. It is within our states that investment decisions are operationalised, regulatory frameworks are experienced, and economic value is ultimately created.
“Our states, therefore, are not peripheral actors—they are central to the architecture of national competitiveness.”
He described the SABER programme as a vital policy tool designed to drive reforms and align state systems with global investment standards.
“This is precisely why the SABER Programme represents a critical policy instrument. It is designed to incentivise reform, strengthen institutional capacity, and align state-level systems with global standards of investment facilitation. By improving regulatory quality, enhancing transparency, and reducing transaction costs, we are collectively positioning Nigeria as a more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investment.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff noted that discussions at the workshop had moved beyond policy formulation to focus on practical implementation strategies, including data-driven investment promotion, inter-agency collaboration, and digital innovation.
“Over the course of this workshop, deliberations have appropriately moved beyond policy articulation to focus on implementation frameworks. Discussions have addressed key pillars of modern investment promotion, including: The development of differentiated and data-driven state value propositions; Strengthening inter-agency coordination mechanisms; Leveraging digital platforms for investor engagement and service delivery; Establishing robust investment tracking and performance management systems; and Institutionalising investor aftercare to ensure retention and expansion. These are not abstract priorities—they are the operational foundations of a competitive investment ecosystem.”
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to economic reforms, Hadejia said the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on unlocking private sector growth and expanding opportunities.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, GCON, this administration remains firmly committed to structural reforms that unlock private sector growth, expand economic opportunity, and deliver inclusive prosperity for all Nigerians.
“PEBEC continues to play a catalytic role in this regard—driving regulatory simplification, improving service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and strengthening investor confidence through measurable reforms.”
He added that sub-national reform has become a strategic necessity, not a choice, given its direct impact on investor experience.
“The SABER Programme further reinforces this national agenda by embedding reform incentives at the subnational level—where the investor experience is most directly shaped. Consequently, subnational reform is no longer discretionary; it is a strategic imperative.”
Hadejia urged states to leverage their comparative advantages and convert them into viable investment opportunities through strong institutions and efficient systems.
“Every state possesses unique comparative advantages—whether in natural resources, human capital, geographic positioning, or sectoral opportunities. The critical task before us is to systematically translate these assets into bankable, investable opportunities through strong institutions, efficient administrative systems, and sustained political will.”
He also welcomed the move to establish a peer network among commissioners and investment promotion agencies, describing it as a shift toward accountability and results-driven collaboration.
“I am particularly encouraged by the decision to establish a Commissioners and IPA Peer Network, alongside clearly defined state-level reform commitments. This signals a transition from dialogue to structured collaboration—one that prioritises accountability, knowledge-sharing, and measurable outcomes.”
Calling for sustained momentum beyond the workshop, Hadejia urged participants to drive concrete reforms upon returning to their states.
“As you return to your respective states, I urge you to approach the next phase of this work with discipline, urgency, and strategic focus. Let this engagement not conclude as a workshop—but evolve into a coordinated reform movement.
“We must see: Stronger and more credible investment pipelines; Reduced approval timelines through process optimisation; Enhanced inter-agency coordination and service integration; Digitally enabled, investor-facing platforms that improve transparency; and Tangible reforms that translate into jobs, enterprise growth, and improved livelihoods. Ultimately, Nigeria’s competitiveness will rise in direct proportion to the competitiveness of its states.”
He reaffirmed the support of the Office of the Vice President for initiatives aimed at improving the business environment and accelerating economic growth nationwide.
“On behalf of the Office of the Vice President, I reaffirm our unwavering support for initiatives that strengthen the business environment, unlock investment flows, and accelerate sustainable economic growth across the federation.
“I thank you for your commitment, your service, and your continued contribution to national development. I wish you safe travels and every success in the work ahead. Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Director General of the Yobe State Agency for Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, Aliyu Isah Chikaji, underscored the importance of peer learning and project readiness in driving sub-national investment growth, as states intensify efforts to attract investors and improve ease of doing business.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly in helping states transition from policy discussions to practical implementation.
“We are here to attend this program, this very, very important program. It is a program that is on peer-to-peer learning organized by PEBEC, and I think first of its kind. So I thank the DG of PEBEC and the entire PEBEC team. This is a program that brings honorable commissioners of commerce from all the states, and it also brings the heads of IPA, Investment Promotion Agencies, technical folks, and all the critical stakeholders.
“It is a program that is aimed at discussing what states do in their states. States are moving from theories now to practice, and as states we really do not have to reinvent the wheel. All we do is to come, sit down, discuss, and whatever it is that works for one state can be a model for another state. So most importantly is for all of us to come and share what really works. And like I said earlier, what works for one state can be a model for ten or many, many states. And I mean, a forum like this actually helps in cutting the learning curve from years to days.
“And it is very, very important that we continue to have this. Like I said earlier, it's first of its kind, and I call on PEBEC to please make this an annual event, especially that it's a platform that brings all the major stakeholders as far as investment promotion is concerned. And investment promotion is critical. It is too critical that cannot be done by just one state. So having that handshake is very, very important, and I think it's just the way to go.”
Highlighting key lessons from the engagement, the Yobe investment chief stressed the need for states to prioritise project preparation to make opportunities investor-ready.
“The major takeaway here is that there is an emphasis on project preparation. World over you've got investors. We have investment opportunities in our states, but then you've got to be prepared to receive these investments, and this can only be done through project preparation. So I think one of the major takeaways is for us to be able to – I mean, for all the states.
“Yobe State is already working on preparing its projects. We have already identified key sectors, key areas, very important investments that align with the state's visions and state goals. And we are already also working with some transaction advisors to develop these projects to ensure that they are bankable, so much so that as investors come, they are ready to invest.”
Chikaji further highlighted ongoing reforms and investment traction in the state, noting that Yobe is positioning itself as a major hub for livestock development in Nigeria.
“Our state is actually topmost on the reform of ease of doing business. Yobe has done a lot. Yobe is not sleeping. Yobe is not relenting, and we are still doing a lot. And it is through this effort that we have received a lot of proposals unsolicited. We also have a list of solicited proposals, and we have also received a number of investments. And it is – I think it is worthy to mention that Yobe is on the way to become the nation's livestock hub.
“We are doing a lot as far as livestock is concerned. We are tired of being routes. Yobe for many, many years has been a livestock route, so we want to become a destination. And we are very deliberate about this. We are very intentional, and we are already working. Only recently we have signed a couple of agreements all around the livestock project. And very soon you would see or you would report the Federal Minister of Livestock's visits to Yobe.”
The workshop, held at The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments, forms part of PEBEC’s broader strategy to strengthen sub-national collaboration, encourage peer learning, and ultimately attract greater investment into Nigeria’s economy.
