FG committed to easing businesses in states, says PEBEC DG

The federal government is actively working with states to eliminate regulatory bottlenecks that hinder businesses, beginning with an engagement in Plateau State. Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), announced this initiative in Jos during a town hall meeting with the organized private sector.

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We’re here today for two reasons: one, we had a technical session with the Subnational Ease of Doing Business Council, which is chaired by the Secretary of the Government of Plateau State. And then this afternoon we’re having a town hall meeting with all the organised private sectors.

The engagement in Plateau State involved a technical session with the Subnational Ease of Doing Business Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Government of Plateau State, followed by a town hall with private sector representatives. Audu explained that the goal is to "interface with the businesses, understand the peculiarities of doing business in Plateau State," and to foster closer ties between subnational governments and businesses.

During the interactive sessions, state officials directly addressed concerns raised by business owners. Audu highlighted that the initiative aims to "strengthen the subnational ease of doing business council" and ensure the effective implementation of federal policies at the state level. Plateau is the inaugural state for this program, with plans to extend the engagement to all 36 states, building on last year's "2025 subnational ease of doing business" efforts.

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Every state is different, so the private sector are here to share their pain points. The policy makers in the room will take this back, review it, and amend it moving forward.

Audu emphasized that feedback from the private sector will be crucial for policy reviews, acknowledging that "Every state is different, so the private sector are here to share their pain points." She also pointed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tax reforms, noting that businesses earning below 3 million naira are exempt from taxes, reflecting the administration's stance that "there’s no gain in taxing poverty." Additionally, measures like free company registration and grants for nano and small businesses are being implemented to formalize the informal sector and promote growth.

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If you’re below a certain threshold, you earn less than 3 million naira, you don’t pay taxes… The president has created the tax brackets in such a way that the smaller businesses do not have any tax burden on them. Like the Mister said, the President says, there’s no gain in taxing poverty.