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By Emeka Chiaghanam

Anambra State has renewed its drive to become one of Nigeria’s top destinations for business and investment, unveiling fresh plans aimed at creating a friendlier environment for companies to start, expand and succeed.

The renewed commitment took centre stage in Awka on Wednesday during a major stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) at the International Convention Centre. The gathering brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and economic experts to discuss ways of improving the investment climate and boosting economic growth.

Speaking at the event, Secretary to the State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, said Anambra was ready to strengthen its partnership with PEBEC in order to speed up reforms that would make doing business easier across the state.

She explained that the effort fits directly into Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Vision 2070 agenda, a long-term development strategy focused on transforming Anambra into a major centre for innovation, enterprise and economic prosperity.

According to Nnake, the state government understands that sustainable economic growth depends on creating a business environment where investors and entrepreneurs can operate with confidence, transparency and fewer obstacles.

She urged investors, development partners and the private sector to play active roles in the transformation process, stressing that meaningful economic progress can only be achieved through shared commitment and cooperation.

The event also gave PEBEC the opportunity to outline its nationwide campaign to improve the ease of doing business across Nigeria.

PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Audu, said the council’s engagements across the country are designed to encourage stronger collaboration between federal and state governments in implementing reforms that support business growth.

She noted that future economic success in Nigeria would increasingly be driven by activities taking place within states, cities, industrial clusters and local communities rather than by decisions made solely in the nation’s capital.

Audu also praised the Anambra State Government for its willingness to embrace reforms aimed at attracting investment and encouraging enterprise development.

Also addressing participants, Hon. Chukwukadibia Okoye, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described the programme as an important step in Anambra’s ambition to emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading economic centres.

He said ongoing reforms would simplify business procedures, reduce bureaucratic delays, improve investor access, strengthen infrastructure and create a more predictable environment for businesses.

Okoye highlighted the progress recorded under Governor Soludo in areas such as infrastructure, technology, urban renewal, revenue generation and economic planning, noting that these investments have enhanced the state's appeal to both local and foreign investors.

He expressed confidence that Anambra would soon rank among Nigeria’s best-performing states for ease of doing business, adding that current reforms are laying the groundwork for greater job creation, industrial growth, innovation and long-term prosperity.

Experts at the meeting also called for better coordination of taxes, levies and regulatory charges across the country. They further advocated stronger digital systems, clearer regulations and faster mechanisms for resolving investor complaints.

By the close of the discussions, participants agreed that closer cooperation between government and the private sector remains key to unlocking new economic opportunities and driving sustainable growth.