The Federal Government has allocated $68.36 million to 28 states under the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s business environment. The announcement was made by Lydia Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, at the 2025 National Sensitisation Workshop on SABER in Abuja on Monday.
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Strengthening Business Reforms Across States
The programme seeks to improve the ease of doing business by implementing strategic reforms across Nigerian states. Jafiya disclosed that 33 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have signed the Subsidiary Loan Agreement, with 28 states receiving between $1 million and $4 million in Prior Results Disbursements.
These funds will support states in executing business-friendly reforms that will:
- Enhance competitiveness and create a more investment-friendly business environment.
- Streamline business regulations to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
- Improve investment policies to attract local and foreign investors.
Despite initial delays in implementation, Jafiya praised the commitment of state governments in carrying out these crucial business reforms.
Independent Verification to Ensure Transparency
To ensure that allocated funds are properly utilized, the Federal Government has engaged an Independent Verification Firm to assess state performance for 2023 and 2024. This evaluation will verify the effectiveness of the reforms and ensure compliance with the programme’s objectives.
Lessons from the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme have contributed to:
- Increased transparency in government-business relations.
- Improved land acquisition processes, making it easier for businesses to secure property.
- Enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms for business-related conflicts.
These measures aim to foster accountability and enhance Nigeria’s overall business climate.
Achievements Under the SABER Programme
The SABER initiative has already delivered significant improvements, including:
- Stronger public-private partnerships, enabling business expansion.
- Lower costs of fibre optic deployment, benefitting digital businesses and entrepreneurs.
- More efficient regulatory frameworks, simplifying business operations and reducing operational costs.
Jafiya highlighted the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Debt Management Office (DMO) in executing the programme.
Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement for Better Execution
State officials and SABER focal persons have been urged to actively participate in discussions and work closely with business communities to ensure the successful execution of the programme.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its economic and business ecosystem, initiatives like SABER remain critical in positioning the country as an attractive destination for investment and innovation.
For further details, visit the source: Small Business Insights
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