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From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Secretary, Presidential Enabling Business Council PEBEC, Dr. Jumoke Oduwale, has revealed that a World Bank grant totalling $750 million , will soon be shared among many states and individual managers of small and medium scale businesses (SMEs ) in Nigeria,
Oduwale made this known at the weekend in Abuja, while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the Q4 quarter of the year alongside other programmes to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary celebration.
The World Bank grant according to her will be given to those who meet stipulated terms and conditions involved in business development in their states and the nation at large.
Dr Oduwale said “part of our programme is that shortly after the presentation on October 1st, PEBEC will unveil its annual report which is to be used to form states action plans as criteria for states to access the $750million World Bank grant.
This is what PEBEC will be doing in the Q4 quarter. We will be launching eligibility process for a 3 year programme plan. And like I said before all the states are to be selected through their capabilities in installing fiber optics for adequate internet provisions before they can access the grants. Those in SMSEs are also to be engaged in several tests against each other and to determine winners who are qualified for the grant.”
The Secretary also hinted that the agency’s sponsored ominibus bill which is at its second reading at the National Assembly, will soon be listed for public hearing.
The bill according to her, is called business facilitation model, which will enhance the regulatory frame work for ease of doing business in the country as obtained elsewhere in the world.
According to the former Special Adviser to the President on Trade and Investment, PEBEC has been involved in series of reforms across states, local government areas and the National Assembly to encodeproper ease of doing business in Nigeria for economic growth.
Meanwhile, activities has been lined up by the agency, to fete SMSEs operators as well as civil servants, come October 1st and 2nd. This she noted is quite significant as the President Mohammadu Buhari administration winds up.
Dr Oduwale, said “PEBEC will be staging program on the ease of doing business to mark the Independent celebration in Nigeria because the SMSEs has been doing well since the past six years. And as we all know, the shorter version of the drama premiered last year December during which we celebrated outstanding SMSEs operators and civil servants. And on this year’s, event, we have carefully selected people who have distinguished themselves on impacting the economy of Nigeria and they shall also be appreciated with PEBEC award by December”.
The Secretary, further stated that the October 2022 edition of drama display will be showcasing contents to have SMSEs, civil servants and people from all works of life to a relaxed atmosphere, to take place at NAF Center in Abuja begining from 1st to 2nd of October.
She further said “PEBEC Secretariat is scheduled to host the Play titled ‘The Future is here’ which was premiered at PEBEC 5th anniversary and we will be using this opportunity to spread the word to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Public and Civil servants.
