FIC Report (Benue State) – The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) on 23rd June 2025 hosted a pivotal Town Hall meeting at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, part of its extensive nationwide tour covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The event convened high-level actors from the public and private sectors in Benue State to reinforce collaboration aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Opening Remarks
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by Secretary to the State Government Deaconess Selumun Aber, officially received the PEBEC delegation. She emphasized the state government’s unwavering support for business reforms and regulatory efficiency.
PEBEC Presentation
Team Lead Mr. Shima Kennedy Iornem highlighted PEBEC’s partnership with the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Debt Management Office—with World Bank financial backing—to provide technical support on key Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs 4, 5, 6, and 8). He clarified that eligibility for these DLIs is contingent upon meeting criteria outlined in the Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP).
Mr. Iornem also disclosed that the upcoming 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report will showcase the top 10 most business-friendly states and confirmed that the Town Hall is set to become an annual event held between May and June.
State Government Response
Commissioner for Finance Michael Oglegba praised the Federal Government’s initiative and reaffirmed Benue’s commitment to eliminating multiple taxation—a perennial obstacle for businesses in the state.
Technical Session
State officials from six key agencies led a technical session detailing their respective reforms to improve business operations. Panelists included representatives from:
Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals
Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS)
Bureau of Public Procurement Commission (BPPC)
Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS)
Urban Development Board
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment
Stakeholder Feedback
Business leaders raised concerns regarding multiple tax burdens and illegal checkpoints across Benue. In response, the Acting GM of the Internal Revenue Service provided a grievance redress hotline for reporting violations.
Closing Remarks
Mr. Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Director General of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency, reaffirmed the state’s ambition to be among Nigeria’s top 10 business-friendly destinations. He said periodic evaluations would be undertaken to ensure continuous improvement.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
Federal Information Officer,
PEBEC Subnational Activities — Benue State
