The State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), a national initiative aimed at strengthening business-friendly policies across Nigeria, held a technical session and townhall meeting in Awka as part of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s (PEBEC) 2025 nationwide tour.
Addressing participants, Mr. Gabriel Ohiemi, a reform leader from the PEBEC Secretariat representing the Director General, Princess Zahra Mustafa, said the engagement was designed to gather practical feedback from stakeholders and share transformative solutions to enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in all states.
Anambra’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, noted that the state is already implementing impactful reforms under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration. These include massive road construction projects and the digitization of land acquisition processes,steps that directly improve the business climate.
Commissioner for Industry, Hon.Christian Udechukwu, added that the state enjoys robust collaboration with the federal government, especially in supporting SMEs through grants and industrial partnerships.
In his remarks, ASBA MD/CEO, Clement Chukwuka, highlighted the agency’s commitment to accessible funding for small businesses, citing ASBA’s 16% interest rate as a far cry from commercial banks’ over 30%. He emphasized the need for transparency among SME operators, urging them to separate business from personal accounts and fulfill tax obligations to access government support.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to dialogue, identify challenges and propose solutions for sustained economic growth in Anambra State.