By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank on Tuesday in Abuja declared the commencement of the 2025 National Sensitization Workshop on the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER).
This is coming even as it reiterates that the programme will robustly seek to enhance private investment in telecommunications space through fibre optic deployment, strengthening regulatory frameworks to support growth.
The programme which is a $750 million initiative is aimed at incentivizing state-level reforms to improve Nigeria’s business climate.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Jafiya, while declaring the event open, emphasized the significance of the programme in fostering economic growth through business-friendly reforms.
She said: “We are committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes business competitiveness and attractiveness.” Jafiya stated.
According to her, SABER programme is a critical component of federal government’s efforts to enhance the business climate and drive economic growth*
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the progress made so far, with 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) signing the Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) under the SABER programme.
Jafiya, informed that 28 states have received between $1 million and $4 million in prior results disbursements, totalling $68.36 million.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by states in implementing reforms but encouraged them to persevere, adding: “We will continue to support states in their efforts to improve the business environment and attract investments.” Jafiya assured.
The Permanent Secretary while stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SABER programme, said: “We must ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved in a transparent and accountable manner.”
By streamlining processes for land acquisition and ownership, she acknowledged that the programme aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make it easier for businesses to operate.
The programme, according to her also prioritizes the strengthening of investment promotion agencies and public-private partnership units, recognizing the critical role these entities play in attracting investment and driving economic growth.
Furthermore, the SABER programme aims to improve transparency and efficiency in government-to-business services, reducing the complexity and uncertainty that can often hinder business operations, she said.
She said: “The programme builds on the successes of the State’s Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) initiative, which promoted fiscal transparency and accountability at the sub-national level. The SABER programme’s disbursements are contingent upon annual verification by an Independent Verification Agent (IVA), ensuring that states meet agreed reform milestones.”
The Programme Leader for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions at the World Bank, Bertine Kamphuis, underscored the need for additional technical assistance, including in-person and smaller technical group meetings.
In a remark, the National Programme Coordinator of the SABER Program, Dr. Ali Mohammed, elaborated on the program’s financial structure, emphasizing that the $750 million budget encompasses not only Programme-for-Results (P4R) disbursements but also capacity building for state officials and implementation partners.
As the workshop progressed, participants engaged in discussions and sessions aimed at enhancing their capacity to implement the SABER programme effectively. The event provided a platform for state officials to interact with facilitators and technical assistance partners, clarifying areas of the programme and providing feedback on their experiences.
As Nigeria continues to drive business reforms, the SABER programme plays a critical role in enhancing the business environment and promoting economic growth.
The Federal Ministry of Finance remains committed to fostering an improved business environment in Nigeria through collaborative efforts with state governments, the World Bank, and other strategic partners.
