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Ease of Doing Business: FCTA To Harmonise Overlapping Laws

Published

6 years ago

December 19, 2019

Joel Ajayi

Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has said that the FCT Administration is working towards harmonizing overlapping laws and regulations within the various Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) that were militating against the ease of doing business processes in the FCT.

This, he said, could be achieved with collaborations of all stakeholders.

The Minister disclosed this at the FCT Technical Workshop and Engagement Forum on Ease of Doing Business, held in Abuja. He further said that improving the ease of doing business was at the root of Nigeria’s recovery and growth plan of the current administration with a significant progress already recorded in the last four years.

He explained that Abuja being the mirror of the country must, therefore, be a model in the ease of doing business agenda of the Administration that should be emulated.

The Minister reiterated that he was optimistic that with consistent dialogue and focus on ultimate goals, in a few years to come, processes and interventions will be institutionalized to ensure that the FCT becomes a model.

He also expressed the desire for a small working group involving key agencies within the FCTA and the Area Council Chairmen to resolve issues rose at the workshop, stressing that all businesses and services ultimately, are domiciled in the Area Councils.

Malam Bello explained that whatever intervention done at the highest level, if it does not trickle to the Area Council level where businesses are domiciled, the effects would not be felt.

He stressed the need to institutionalize the ease of doing business initiative as that was the only way the reforms will take root and flourish. . He added however, that with continuous work on improving steps, over a period of time, the reforms can be sustained and institutionalized.

Malam Bello also commended the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), adding that the purpose for its establishment was justified and so far the organization has done the country proud.

He assured the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, that the FCTA will partner with her team so as to ensure that the laudable objective of the initiative comes to fruition.

Earlier, in her presentation, Dr. Oduwole said that the Ease of Doing Business initiative correlated with the priorities of the Federal Government because it is linked with security, the economy and the anti-corruption crusade of the government. In her words; “When people have jobs, they are occupied and are less likely to be doing what they shouldn’t be doing” she continued; “Ease of doing business is linked with anticorruption because when people have jobs and are making money, there is less need for corruption”.

She said that the ease of doing a business intervention is intended to change people’s perception that it is difficult to do business in Nigeria and to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks so that businesses can thrive. This, she said, is being done through a reduction in the cost and the time it takes to do business.

While commending the FCTA for improvements in its Ease of Doing Business profile, the Presidential Aide stressed the need to do more, especially in the area of enforcing contracts.

Stressing the need for collaborations amongst organizations in the FCT, Dr. Oduwole said that once there are strong collaborations and patience among partners, the ease of doing business initiative will be institutionalized and owned by the people.

She said: “There is a need for collaborations. We need to break down the silos. When organizations come together to work, there are chances for greater success. But there is also a need for patience. The decay did not happen overnight and will take time to resolve. Time to build strong collaborations and institutions”.

The workshop had in attendance top management staff of the FCTA including the Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa and the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Umar, Gambo Jibrin.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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