Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has assured the business community in the State and the country that his administration will continue to pursue inclusivity, peace and security, as well as Infrastructural development which are key to guaranteeing investment in the State.
Governor Lalong said this when he hosted the 5th Governor’s dinner with the business community in Plateau State at the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
He said among other things, Government wasted no time in looking at some of the areas of concern to the business community by pursuing policies and reforms in the areas of taxation, access to finance for MSMEs, business registration, Public Private Partnership, retraining of workers, and land administration and so on.
“So far we have witnessed substantial improvements to the delight of the private sector, while paying attention on the key enablers of Peace, Security, and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. This year’s dialogue therefore, presents the government and private sector another opportunity to compare notes, and exchange ideas on these and other matters of mutual interest” he said.
According to him, to further improve economic activities in the State, his administration prioritized diversification of the economy, with the stated goals of building a competitive manufacturing sector, expanding agricultural output, and capitalizing on technological and innovative advantages.
Some highlights of reforms and policies carried out in line with the three pillar policy thrust to drive sustainable development, increase IGR and enhance the general business environment in the State include: Land reform, Tax Relief Measures, Establishment of the PPP Agency , Partnership with Agriculture Research Institution of Nigeria (ARCN) to boost farmers production capacity, Revitalized Judicial system, Expansion of physical infrastructure, Establishment of the Plateau State One Stop Investment Centre to facilitate investment and also provide ease of doing business in the State, Street naming and house numbering among others.
In his remarks, Mr. Akinrope Omoware. Head of Component, Policywork Stream, GIZ-SEDIN commended the Governor for paying attention to the business community in the State and providing the needed climate for investment.
He urged the Government to do more and work towards addressing other challenges that still make it difficult for some businesses to improve and get stability.
Some members of the Plateau business community and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies also made contributions at the dinner urging the government to consolidate on the substantial peace prevailing in the State.
