FG Strengthens Business Reforms as $750m SABER Programme Gains Momentum
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has intensified efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment through the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme. The initiative, a $750 million incentive-driven reform programme, aims to enhance state-level business competitiveness and attract investment.
At the 2025 National Sensitization Workshop on the SABER Programme-for-Results in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, declared the event open and underscored the programme’s significance in fostering economic growth.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes business competitiveness and attractiveness,” Jafiya stated, adding that SABER is a crucial component of the government’s strategy to enhance the business climate.
Highlighting progress, she noted that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had signed the Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) under the programme, with 28 states receiving disbursements ranging from $1 million to $4 million, amounting to $68.36 million in prior results payments.
Jafiya acknowledged challenges faced by states in implementing reforms but assured continued support from the federal government. She emphasized transparency and accountability in the programme’s execution, stating that reform milestones must be met through annual verification by an Independent Verification Agent (IVA).
The SABER initiative seeks to streamline processes for land acquisition and ownership, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance private investment in fiber optic deployment. It also aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve investment promotion agencies, and enhance government-to-business service efficiency.
The programme builds on the success of the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) initiative, reinforcing fiscal discipline at the sub-national level.
Bertine Kamphuis, Programme Leader for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions at the World Bank, emphasized the need for additional technical assistance, while Dr. Ali Mohammed, National Programme Coordinator, elaborated on SABER’s financial structure, which includes capacity building for state officials.
As the workshop progressed, stakeholders engaged in discussions to refine implementation strategies and ensure effective programme execution.
The Federal Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a robust business environment in collaboration with state governments, the World Bank, and other strategic partners.
