FG urges States to Improve Digital visibility to attract investments
By Folashade Peterson
The Federal Government had urged the state governments to improve their digital visibility and transparency, to attract investments and unlock their economic potential.
The Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha-Audu made the in Gombe while speaking virtually at PEBEC’s Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement Tour held in Gombe State.
She said in today’s global economy, visibility has become a critical determinant of competitiveness, hence the need for states to actively shape their narrative rather than allow others to define them.
Princes Zahra stated that investors around the world evaluate investment opportunities based on credible information that is digitally visible to them before they travel for proper investment.
She added that today’s investment reality demanded that states become intentional in how they project themselves to the world, stressing that such projection often affects investment decision making.
The Director General said that every state must develop a strong and credible digital footprint and must have a compelling investment story and must be visible where investments were lurking.
According to her, digital visibility requires more than having a website or social media account but requires a coordinated communication strategy towards moving from reactive communication to strategic communication.
The PEBEC DG further stated that such communication strategy must consistently highlight reforms, investment opportunities, success stories, infrastructure projects, success strength and business-friendly policies.
“An investor sitting in London, Dubai, Singapore, Johannesburg or Lagos often begins by evaluating opportunities long before they board a plane.
“The first interaction is that states are increasingly digital for investors to access their websites, review investment portals, examine online media coverage, to analyze data, to search for evidence of successful businesses already operating within the state,” she said.
Prince Zahra also highlighted the need for states to continue to partner with the Federal Government to build an environment conducive for businesses and investments to thrive.
She said it was in that regard, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was implementing economic reform agenda with a vision that Nigeria could only prosper when all tiers of governance move in the same direction.
“As President Tinubu has consistently emphasized, the future of Nigeria’s economy will not be determined in Abuja alone but in our states, our cities, our industrial clusters, innovation hubs, our farms and our local governments,” she added.
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Mannasah Daniel Jatau said that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya remained dedicated to partnership that ensures reforms were carried out and challenges are addressed.
Dr Jatau who doubles as the state Chairman, Ease of Doing Business, said that the state would continue to partner with PEBEC to position Gombe State as an investment hub in Nigeria.
