The challenges of insecurity and inadequate power supply have been highlighted as major obstacles to business operations in Zamfara State.
Mukhtar Nadama, the Executive Head of Investment Promotion in the state, disclosed this during an interview with journalists at the conclusion of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) sub-national tour on Thursday in Katsina State.
According to Nadama, while the current state administration has made commendable progress in addressing these issues, insecurity and unreliable electricity remain significant hurdles that impede economic activities and investment prospects in the state.
“Zamfara State is grappling with insecurity, and without security, business cannot thrive,” Nadama said. He explained that insecurity restricts the flow of goods and services, limiting business operations to a confined area.
“You produce goods, but transporting them is a challenge. For instance, products from Zamfara destined for Katsina must take longer routes because certain areas closer to us are inaccessible due to insecurity,” he added.
Nadama, who attended the three-day PEBEC sub-national tour for the Northwest region, expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by the federal and state governments would improve the situation.
“The current administrations at both levels are doing everything possible to enhance security, attract investors, and create a conducive business environment,” he stated.
He commended the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for initiating security measures that began yielding positive results before his demise. Nadama expressed hope that the current Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff would continue to build on these efforts.
“Lagbaja visited Zamfara at least four times during his tenure and was committed to creating a safe environment for businesses to thrive. The state government has also introduced community protection initiatives to complement federal efforts in securing the business climate,” Nadama noted.
Apart from insecurity, he identified power outages as another significant impediment to business operations in Zamfara.
“Electricity remains a major challenge. Even before the collapse of the national grid, we struggled with inadequate power supply. Most businesses rely on diesel generators or solar power, which are costly and not always sustainable,” he explained.
Despite these setbacks, Nadama described the PEBEC sub-national tour as an eye-opener, saying it provided valuable insights for improving business practices in the state.
“The event was highly instrumental in equipping us with knowledge and strategies to perform more effectively and efficiently,” he concluded.
