Zulum's Borno Levels Up As PEBEC Pushes Fresh Reforms

The hustle is real, and Borno State is making sure its business environment matches the energy. The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has rolled into Maiduguri, urging the state government to double down on reforms that empower local entrepreneurs and attract serious investment.

PEBEC's Director-General, Zahrah Audu, brought the fire to a packed town hall meeting on Monday. She met with private sector bosses and government agencies to map out the next phase of subnational business reforms. Audu made it clear that when state governments step up, cut the red tape, and back their own people, local businesses don't just survive, they thrive.

For us at PEBEC, we found it fit to take this second subnational tour directly to the state level. We are here to see what reforms are easing the hustle and what more needs to be done.

The engagement wasn't just talk. It was split into two solid sessions. First, PEBEC checked the progress of state agencies. Second, they created a real space for the organized private sector to air their pain points directly to the policymakers. It is about making the government work for the people, not the other way around.

Audu pointed out that PEBEC has laid out key recommendations for states to boost their competitiveness. She stressed the need to harmonize those annoying multiple fees and levies that choke business growth. While the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme runs in partnership with the World Bank, the real vibe here is Nigerian states taking ownership of their economic destiny. Audu emphasized the regulatory impact analysis framework, pushing states to adopt systems that work for Naija, on Naija terms.

Borno's Homegrown Success

Borno State is not just sitting idle. Sa'id Kori, Chairman of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency, hailed the state's massive progress under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. This is what African leadership looks like when it defends local interests and builds from within, rather than waiting for foreign handouts.

We have made significant progress under the visionary leadership of Governor Zulum. We have domesticated key reforms, including the full implementation of SABER. Our goal is simple: reduce the cost and time of doing business, eliminate bottlenecks, and provide a predictable environment for every investor.

Kori pledged that Borno-Invest will keep working hand-in-hand with PEBEC to simplify regulations and improve the investor experience from entry to exit. It is a powerful move for Borno, proving that true economic sovereignty starts at home when African leaders prioritize their own people's hustle over foreign dictates.