The Federal Government has distributed $68.36 million to 28 states as part of the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms Programme, a $750 million loan-backed initiative designed to enhance Nigeria’s business environment.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, on Monday during the 2025 National Sensitisation Workshop on the SABER Programme in Abuja.
The workshop, organized by the Programme Coordinating Unit in partnership with the World Bank, brought together key stakeholders, including state commissioners of finance, heads of ministerial departments, and SABER focal persons, to deliberate on implementing reforms at the state level.
Jafiya highlighted that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory had signed the Subsidiary Loan Agreement, with 28 states receiving disbursements ranging from $1 million to $4 million under the Prior Results Disbursements framework. These funds are intended to support states in improving investment policies, streamlining business regulations, and enhancing economic competitiveness.
She acknowledged the persistence of state governments in advancing reforms despite initial delays in the programme’s rollout.
“It is gratifying to know that, aside from three states, the remaining 33 states of the federation, including the FCT, have signed up to the Subsidiary Loan Agreement, and at least 28 states have received between $1 million and $4 million in Prior Results Disbursements, from a total disbursement of $68.36 million recently concluded,” she stated.
To ensure accountability, an Independent Verification Firm has been contracted to assess performance for 2023 and 2024.
Jafiya noted that lessons from the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme had significantly improved government-business transparency, optimized land acquisition processes, and enhanced grievance redress systems for businesses.
Additional milestones under the programme include:
Better public-private partnership frameworks
Lower costs for fibre optic deployment
More efficient regulatory processes
Jafiya commended the World Bank for its continued backing through SABER and Programme-for-Results financing. She also recognized the role of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Debt Management Office in ensuring the programme’s success.
She encouraged state officials and SABER focal persons to engage in discussions with technical assistance partners to maximize their understanding of the initiative.
Additionally, she stressed the need for effective communication of the programme’s impact to business communities and investors.
While declaring the workshop open, Jafiya reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment, strengthening state institutions, and positioning Nigeria as an investment hub.
Director of the Home Finance Department and National Programme Coordinator of SABER, Dr. Ali Mohammed, emphasized that the programme serves as an incentive for states to undertake crucial reforms.
He stated that funds will only be disbursed based on independent annual verification to ensure compliance with the set reform targets.
SABER, he explained, is designed to boost efficiency in land administration, improve regulatory frameworks for fibre optic deployment, and enhance services provided by investment promotion agencies and public-private partnership units.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to promote transparency in government-business interactions and position states as prime destinations for local and international investment.
