The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the role of the police in enabling ease of doing business in Nigeria, saying it requires a secure and stable society where businesses can operate without the fear of crime, corruption, or undue interference.
Gaidam, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Press, Ministry of Police Affairs, Bolaji Kazeem, spoke during a meeting with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, led by the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The minister pointed out that the primary role of the police is to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and enforce the rule of law, noting that a safe and secure business environment is essential for businesses to operate smoothly and for investors to feel confident in investing in the country.
“Your presence here signifies a crucial step towards fostering a more conducive business environment in our beloved country, Nigeria. As we gather here to discuss the Ease of Doing Business Regulatory Reform Accelerator, aimed at enhancing growth in productivity and competitiveness across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, I am filled with optimism and excitement about the positive impact that our collaboration can have on our nation’s economic landscape,” he stressed.
Gaidam added that the Ease of Doing Business Regulatory Reform Accelerator initiative is a testimony to their commitment to promoting business growth and development in Nigeria.
He said: “By identifying key barriers to doing business in our country and implementing targeted reforms, we aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and competitive business environment that will benefit both local and foreign investors.”
The minister opined that upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability is paramount to winning the trust and confidence of investors.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, appreciated the minister’s commitment to the implementation of Mr President’s agenda to provide a friendly enabling environment for businesses in the country.
She requested the ministry’s intervention in facilitating ease of doing business in the airports, seaports, and trade corridors to curb extortion and numerous checking points on the roads.
“What concerns us more are business climate and investors, travellers’ interface, movement of goods from farm to port, challenges of extortion and delay in the movement of goods and services, and the need to avoid litigation against the agencies and federal government,” she said.
Police crucial to facilitating ease of doing business – Minister