By Maryam Gulma Abubakar in Lokoja.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP.Miller Dantawaye, has reassured residents of the state and investors of the police command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, which he described as a foundation for business growth and development.
Speaking at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) townhall meeting held in Lokoja, on Friday,Dantawaye said there is a strong synergy between the police and other government agencies, urging citizens to promptly report any threats to peace and order, stressing that “the primary duty of the police is to ensure peace within communities.”
Our correspondent reports that the town hall, organized to foster collaboration between federal and state actors on improving Nigeria’s business climate, brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors to discuss the opportunities and obstacles of doing business in Kogi State, one of Nigeria’s emerging investment hubs.
Addressing issues beyond security, Dr. Atuluku Samuel, Director of News and Communication in the State Ministry of Information, lamented the disconnect between policy formulation and implementation.
Atuluku who noted that there are many people whose businesses have folded, called on State Action on Business Enabling Reforms(SABER) to find out why are businesses folding.
He also called on the relevant stakeholders to identify the missing gap between theories and practices,to ensure proper monitoring policies,
“If there’s no monitoring the result cannot be properly actualize,” he stressed .
Atuluku further urged SABER to investigate why enterprises are folding and emphasized that communication must be central to all business and governance efforts.
Mr. Olugbenga Olurunipa, representing the Association of Nigerian Exporters (Kogi Chapter), noted that most entrepreneurs struggle to manage their businesses due to inadequate infrastructure and unfavorable conditions.
He urged the government to create a more enabling environment through targeted reforms.
Mr. Ogechuku of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria questioned the government’s commitment to supporting new businesses and called for better access to energy and urged harmonization of state and local government taxes.
“Many business owners are not on Band A electricity and lack the power supply to grow their operations,” he pointed out.
In response to the concerns, Alhaji Aliyu Inda Salami, Coordinator of SABER, said the town hall was initiated to strengthen business sustainability in the state.
While he acknowledged that some business failures stem from poor management, he promised improved government collaboration and support for small businesses.
The meeting also highlighted key development initiatives, including the allocation of 4,000 hectares in Ajaokuta for an industrial park, and the state’s efforts to attract foreign investment, especially through recent trade talks between Governor Usman Ododo and Chinese investors.
The PEBEC townhall served as a vital platform for identifying practical solutions to the barriers hindering business growth in Kogi, while reinforcing the need for partnership, reform, and sustainable policy implementation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
