The Imo State Government has received the sum of N6.8 billion from the World Bank as a reward for the government’s efforts in engendering good governance and accountability in the ease of doing business.
The reward was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, while speaking with journalists in Owerri recently.
He said that the state is among the four states in Nigeria that qualified for the reimbursement under the World Bank’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, SABER programme for the country.
According to the commissioner, the states were assessed under efficiency of land administration, regulatory framework for private investment in fiber optic infrastructure, services provided by investment promotion agencies and the efficiency and transparency of government-to-business services in participating states.
Emelumba disclosed that the state excelled in the four criteria, thus qualifying it to be rewarded with a huge sum for the consolidation of its programmes.
He described the award as a testament to the government’s commitment to progressive governance, economic empowerment and sustainable development.
The Information Commissioner said that under the focused administration of Governor Uzodinma, the state implemented firm policy initiatives to improve land administration, enabling seamless land registration and boosting land-based investments.
According to him, through transparent governance, Uzodinma has boosted the confidence of investors in the state, especially in the area of digital connectivity.
He further said that contrary to the submissions of those who have a critical view of the administration of the Uzodinma-led APC in the state had been working hard, interacting with investors within and outside Nigeria to buy into the investment opportunities available in the state.
The commissioner noted that Imo State has made giant strides in strengthening its investment promotion agencies to ensure that they attract the best investors to the state.
He expressed Joy that by prioritising efficiency and transparency in government to business services, the state has engendered a culture of accountability in its relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Emelumba commended the governor for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state, thus attracting the attention of the World Bank.
He further said that the government’s achievements in the SABER programme of the World Bank are a confirmation of Uzodinma’s leadership initiatives aimed at making Imo the investment hub in Nigeria.
On what the government intends to do with the fund, the commissioner said it would be utilised to further advance key reforms and reinvest in infrastructure, including offering support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
