28 states of the federation have received between $1 million and $4 million in prior results disbursements from the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme-for-Results, totalling $68.36 million as the Federal Government and the World Bank deepen collaboration to improve the business environment in the country.
This was disclosed at the opening of the 2025 SABER National Sensitization Workshop on the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme-for-Results in Abuja – a $750 million initiative aimed at incentivizing state-level reforms to improve Nigeria’s business climate.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, while declaring the event open, emphasized the significance of the programme in fostering economic growth through business-friendly reforms.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes business competitiveness and attractiveness,” Mrs. Jafiya stated.
She added that “the SABER programme is a critical component of our efforts to enhance the business climate and drive economic growth”.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the progress made so far, with 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) signing the Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) under the SABER programme and announced that 28 states have received between $1 million and $4 million in prior results disbursements, totalling $68.36 million.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by states in implementing reforms but encouraged them to persevere. “We must ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved in a transparent and accountable manner,” she added.
By streamlining processes for land acquisition and ownership, the Permanent Secretary informed further that the programme aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make it easier for businesses to operate. Additionally, she said the SABER programme seeks to enhance private investment in fibre optic deployment, strengthening regulatory frameworks to support this growth.
Mohammed Manga, Director, Information and Public Relations to the ministry of finance in a statement said the programme also prioritizes the strengthening of investment promotion agencies and public-private partnership units, recognizing the critical role these entities play in attracting investment and driving economic growth.
Manga added that the SABER programme aims to improve transparency and efficiency in government-to-business services, reducing the complexity and uncertainty that can often hinder business operations.
The programme builds on the successes of the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) initiative, which promoted fiscal transparency and accountability at the sub-national level. The SABER programme’s disbursements are contingent upon annual verification by an Independent Verification Agent (IVA), ensuring that states meet agreed reform milestones.
Bertine Kamphuis, Programme Leader for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions at the World Bank, underscored the need for additional technical assistance, including in-person and smaller technical group meetings.
Dr. Ali Mohammed, National Programme Coordinator of the SABER Program, elaborated on the program’s financial structure, emphasizing that the $750 million budget encompasses not only Programme-for-Results (P4R) disbursements but also capacity building for state officials and implementation partners.
The statement added that the Federal Ministry of Finance remains committed to fostering an improved business environment in Nigeria through collaborative efforts with state governments, the World Bank, and other strategic partners.
Good production costs money and you can support what we do. Please find our details below👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 Account name: MARKET ONLINE MEDIA Bank: UBA Acc No: 1026401930.
