From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The World Bank has rewarded the Imo State government with a whopping sum of four million US dollars (N6.8 billion) for promoting good governance and accountability in the ease of doing business.
The state Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, announced the cheering news during a conference on Wednesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
He said Imo is among only 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 on the efficiency of land administration, the regulatory framework for private investment in fibre 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 the substantial sum to consolidate its programmes.
He described the award as a testament to the government’s commitment to progressive governance, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
Emelumba said that under the focused administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo State implemented firm policy initiatives to improve land administration, enabling seamless land registration and boosting land-based investments.
According to him, through transparent governance, Uzodimma has boosted the confidence of investors in the state, especially in the area of digital connectivity.
He said that contrary to the claims of critics, Uzodimma had been working very hard, interacting with investors within and outside Nigeria to attract them to 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 they attract the best investors to the state.
He was pleased that by prioritising efficiency and transparency in government-to-business services, the state has fostered a culture of accountability in its relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Emelumba commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state, thus attracting the attention of the World Bank.
He said the government’s achievements in the SABER programme of the World Bank are a confirmation of Uzodimma’s leadership initiatives aimed at making Imo the investment hub of 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.