The Head of Component, Business Enabling Environment, BEE/Investments, and Sustainable Infrastructure of GIZ-SEDIN, Akin Omoware, has stated that no fewer than 1,511 businesses in Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State were assessed for clear understanding of the challenges confronting them in the past one month.
Omoware disclosed this during the Business Enabling Environment Dialogue/Dinner with the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, which was held at the Government House in Jos.
He pointed out that MSMEs have contributed immensely to the GDP, employment, and other aspects of the economy, adding that there are things that can still be done to support local businesses.
According to him, some challenges reported during the assessment included the lack of electricity, the lack of access to finance, the lack of infrastructure, inflation, the high cost of rents, low patronage, security concerns, transportation, and others.”
Omoware acknowledged some steps taken by the State Government and its agencies to address some of the challenges and advocated the creation of industrial clusters, robust State energy sources, infrastructural development, and the creation of the State Investment Promotion Agency to ensure the ease of doing business in the State.
Omoware urged for the government patronage of local businesses as well as the strengthening of the small claims court, multidoor courthouse, and State MSMEs Council.
Responding to the issues, Governor Caleb Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the business community and fostering a sustainable economic future in the state.
The Governor said, “Business is an integral part of our lives. I thank you for believing that Plateau is a place to invest in. It is possible for you to have gone elsewhere, but you have kept faith with Plateau. Let me reassure you that your confidence in Plateau State is not misplaced; Plateau has the potential to become the economic nerve centre of northern Nigeria.
“Your issues are germane, but since coming on board, I came up with the local content policy because capital flight is real. Subsidising transportation, we are making sure that money is retained in the pockets. We are acquiring more buses, trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles…
“The organised private sector has a role to play in economic development; we are intervening in the commodities market, and we want every part of arable land in the state to be cultivated with produce. PADP is planting thousands of palm and coconut trees, and they are doing well.
“We are talking about jatropha that can be converted to biofuel. We must ramp up the production of food and encourage agro-processing; we are also keying into the halal market with a modern abattoir… We need to have power, so we signed an MoU for the building of mini-grids across the State…”
He highlighted the need for dependable data in business, assured of putting the problems of the lack of energy to an end with innovations that would unfold in 2025, and called for patience from citizens.
Presenting the State economic outlook, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, who is also the Chairman of the Ease of Doing Business Committee, indicated, “Available economic data reveals that Plateau State’s GDP is approximately ₦2.4 trillion, with agriculture contributing 40%, trade 20%, manufacturing 15%, and tourism 10%. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) dominate these sectors, contributing 60% of the GDP and employing over 70% of the workforce, with a significant portion being women and youth.”
Earlier, the Managing Director of PIPC, Danlami Jelka, noted the importance of the collaboration in driving economic growth and stressed, “The primary objective of this event is to strengthen the relationship between the Plateau State Government and the vibrant business community that serves as the backbone of our economy.
“The event is to enable the state government to appreciate the resilience and tenacity of the business community, which has shown remarkable survival skills despite the very challenging economic environment, and provide a platform for direct interaction with the business community, enabling the government to listen attentively to the challenges and concerns.
“This exchange serves as a foundation for sustainable solutions and impactful reforms. It is a critical step to forging a unified vision for Plateau State’s economic prosperity. We must work together to create an enabling environment that attracts investments, promotes innovation, and ensures inclusive growth.”
The event was organised by the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company Limited, PIPC, with the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency, PLASMIDA, and the Plateau State One Stop Investment Centre, PS-OSIC, with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria, GIZ-SEDIN.
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