GIZ Sets to Assess Business Enabling Environment Reforms in Niger State
By YM Bina
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is set to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Business Enabling Environment (BEE) reforms in Niger State to strengthen the investment climate and support the growth of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
This was made known during a presentation at a validation workshop by the GIZ consultant Barrister Mohammed Yerima “On the Assessment of GIZ Support Interventions and Reforms Related to Business Enabling Environment in Niger State” held in Minna
According to him, the exercise will be carried out under the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria (SEDIN) Programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The assessment will underscores the continued commitment to promoting sustainable economic development by improving the conditions under which businesses operate.
Through collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders, the programme supports reforms that reduce barriers to doing business, strengthen institutions, and create opportunities for enterprises to grow, create jobs, and increase incomes.
Over the years, GIZ, through the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria Programme – SEDIN has supported several key business environment reforms in Niger State.
These include improvements in land registration processes, construction permit procedures, business registration, tax harmonisation, contract enforcement through mediation and small claims courts, and the establishment of a One-Stop Investment Centre.
These interventions have contributed to creating a more conducive environment for businesses and investment.
Building on these achievements, Business Enabling Environment has been elevated to a dedicated component under the current Phase IV of the SEDIN Programme.
The planned assessment will take stock of the reforms supported, evaluate their implementation status, identify successes and remaining gaps, and examine how they have contributed to reducing the time and cost of doing business in Niger State.
The assessment will also place a strong emphasis on inclusion by examining the specific challenges faced by women-led businesses and entrepreneurs with disabilities. It will identify barriers affecting their competitiveness, profitability, and growth while recommending practical measures to improve their participation in the state’s economy.
Beyond reviewing reform implementation, the assessment will analyse the institutional, political, legal, and economic factors influencing the sustainability of the reforms. It will assess stakeholder ownership, identify opportunities for strengthening existing interventions, and generate evidence-based recommendations to guide future engagement and policy advocacy.
The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for government institutions, development partners, and the private sector, supporting efforts to sustain existing reforms while informing future interventions that promote a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient business environment.
The assignment is expected to run from 13 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, during which technical experts will engage relevant government institutions, private sector organisations, business membership organisations, development partners, women entrepreneurs, organisations of persons with disabilities, and other key stakeholders across Niger State.
By strengthening the Business Enabling Environment, GIZ continues to support Nigeria’s efforts to build an economy where MSMEs can thrive, investments can flourish, and more decent employment opportunities are created for women, men, young people, and vulnerable groups.
Comments are closed