The Plateau State Government is actively working to strengthen the state’s revenue base by raising public awareness about business opportunities and export potential. To achieve this, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is collaborating with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Mr. Salisu Gonto, the Director of Planning and Statistics in the Ministry, highlighted that Plateau State is a beneficiary of a World Bank initiative called State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER). This initiative, spanning five years, aims to support businesses in the state through strategic reforms and improved business environments.
According to Mr. Gonto, the project assigns specific tasks to participating states each year. When these tasks are successfully completed, the state receives a grant to further support and grow its businesses.
To maximize this opportunity, the Ministry has launched a four-day awareness and sensitization campaign to engage the public and key stakeholders. Mr. Gonto expressed confidence that full compliance with the program’s guidelines will lead to numerous benefits, including business growth, new market opportunities, streamlined access to export certificates, increased sales, and enhanced business reputation on a global scale.
During the campaign, several key organizations were visited, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA), Plateau State Traders and Marketers’ Association (PSTMA), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and Nigeria Shippers Council.
These efforts are expected to boost economic activities and create more opportunities for businesses in Plateau State.
