By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe on Tuesday, said that the state government will continue to make concerted efforts to attract investments by removing impediments and improving the business environment in the state.
Dr. Hadiza Balarabe who is the Chairperson of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) Board expressed this at quarterly breakfast, organized by KADIPA which took place at Silversand Hotel.
She said, the business breakfast has for some time, served as avenue for investors to meet with each another and with government officials, to share business ideas and discuss areas of collaboration in less formal settings.
Dr. Balarabe added that the business world is forging ahead by breaking any perceived barriers which formal settings often present, which is why businesses are embracing technology in ease of doing business.
Dr. Balarabe said Kaduna State has gone very far in this regards.
“We have embraced digital technology and are bringing up our young ones to key-into the growing digital economy in the state.
“This is important for us because our target is a knowledge-based economy in Kaduna State, driven by the power of the internet.
According to her, the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai of Kaduna State has stayed true to the times, running what is today, adjudged the finest form of open digital governance.
The acting governor also said the e-governance platforms are available to prospective investors and business partners.
“You do not need to avail yourself in Kaduna in person to be able to apply for permits, land and other registration processes as you can download and submit forms online.
“Many of the processes of obtaining licenses and permits in the state have since been automated. Only last Tuesday, we launched the 2020 Kaduna State General Household Survey Report and Dashboard by the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics.
“It is the largest household survey ever organized by a subnational statistical agency. The demographic data-bank and many other characteristics of the survey are available online on the dashboard recently launched, which I believe provides useful information on the state of markets in Kaduna State,” she said.
She explained that the leadership of Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, will continue making concerted efforts in attracting investors by continuously improving the business environment of the state through elimination of encumbrances to maintain the leading position in the Subnational Ease of Doing Business ranking in Nigeria.
“It is along this line that we are here this morning to mark another edition of the Plug-in Kaduna into the Business World Breakfast, a social gathering with the intent of fostering and strengthening business opportunities.
“The breakfast allows us to interact with investors as we avail them of the reforms and opportunities available in the state.
“Feel free to discuss with our officials, ask questions and tell us the challenges you are facing to enable us work assiduously to remove them.
“If you are intending to invest in Kaduna State, I will advise you to know that your best friend is the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA). It is our agency charged with the promotion of investments in Kaduna State.
“It coordinates with government agencies on behalf of investors to remove impediments in doing business in the state. It is a one-stop station for our investors.
“However, it is now possible for investors to invest in Kaduna from anywhere in the world by simply visiting Kadipa.kdsg.gov.ng.
“I encourage investors in attendance, to interact with each other, share knowledge, failures, successes and understand areas of collaboration for improved business relations in Kaduna State and Nigeria as whole,” she said.
She commended all the people who contributed to making the event a reality, while thanking the governor, who has continuously given his support for this business breakfast owing to its benefit to the state.
Dr. Hadiza expressed gratitude to members of the Economic Development Council, the innovative board and management team at KADIPA and investor related MDAs present for giving their all to make the event a success.
She reminded the investors that Kaduna State is the best place to do business in Nigeria and shall remain so for a long time.
The quarterly breakfast is an interactive platform for the business community to share experiences and challenges with the state government, aimed at improving the investment climate in the state.
