Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening economic reforms and infrastructure development as Gombe State continues to lead Nigeria in sub-national business-friendly governance.
This came during a strategic stakeholder engagement session hosted by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which also featured a statewide town hall meeting aimed at aligning state-level reforms with national economic goals.
Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Governor Yahaya described the engagement as both timely and essential to reinforcing the state’s efforts in improving its regulatory and investment climate.
“Our recognition as Nigeria’s top-ranking state in Ease of Doing Business is no accident. It is the product of deliberate policies, political will, and sound reforms,” Magaji stated.
Reform Highlights
According to the administration, recent reforms include:
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Streamlined business registration procedures
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Digitized land administration
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Investor-friendly tax frameworks
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Reduction of bureaucratic bottlenecks
These, officials say, have supported a stable macroeconomic environment defined by clear regulations, low crime rates, and increased investor confidence.
Governor Yahaya also pointed to key infrastructure initiatives such as:
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The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park
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Special Agro-Processing and Export Free Zone
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A modern livestock development zone
These are intended to boost economic diversification, particularly in agribusiness, renewable energy, and light manufacturing.
National Recognition
PEBEC Director General Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu lauded Gombe for setting the benchmark in sub-national reforms.
“Gombe’s consistent top ranking in our Ease of Doing Business assessment reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to governance reforms that promote innovation and inclusivity,” she said.
The state’s Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, reiterated Gombe’s alignment with federal efforts to create a competitive and innovation-driven economy.
Measurable Economic Impact
Gombe’s reform agenda has produced notable results:
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Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has surged from below ₦1 billion in 2019 to over ₦28 billion today.
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The state attracts more than $100 million in foreign direct investment annually.
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Over 1.5 million residents are employed in both skilled and unskilled sectors.
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The National Bureau of Statistics estimates the state’s GDP at $55.5 billion, with average investment returns exceeding 20%, particularly in agriculture and light industry.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst
The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park has emerged as a cornerstone of the state’s industrial drive. A notable highlight was the commissioning of a seed company by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a symbolic endorsement of the state’s growing investment appeal.
Additional projects such as the International Grains Market and agro-export zones are further enhancing investor confidence, positioning Gombe as a hub for agribusiness and industrial growth in northern Nigeria.