The Delta State government says its sweeping business reforms are designed to attract local and foreign investors, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and boost sustainable private-sector investments.

The state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, said this at a town hall meeting organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Asaba on Saturday.

Mr Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Fidelis Tilije, urged investors to explore Delta’s expanding economic opportunities.

He said his administration had implemented comprehensive reforms designed to improve the ease of doing business across critical investment sectors statewide.

He explained that the reforms covered land administration, investment facilitation, public-private partnerships, revenue collection, security, and dispute resolution, providing investors with a transparent, efficient, and predictable operating business environment.

He disclosed that certificates of occupancy issued between January 2012 and December 2024 had been digitally indexed and archived, significantly improving efficiency, accessibility, transparency, and confidence in land administration.

The governor also revealed that the government institutionalised the framework for responsible and inclusive land-intensive agricultural investment, while automating tax, levy, and revenue collection across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies statewide.

He said the government strengthened investor confidence through the anti-kidnapping law and small claims courts, ensuring commercial disputes are resolved within 60 days, while enhancing security and protecting business interests.

He assured prospective investors that Delta remains peaceful, secure, and fully prepared to receive investment.

Mr Oborevwori gave assurance that the reforms would continue, creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive sustainably in the state.

The PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahra Audu, described Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as critical drivers of economic growth, emphasising the importance of reforms that strengthen sub-national business competitiveness nationwide.

Ms Audu spoke about the state action on business enabling reforms programme, explaining that states receive funding based on measurable improvements in land administration, regulatory efficiency, and transparent tax administration.

The town hall attracted leading private-sector stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and other prominent business organisations.

(NAN)