"How Kaduna Stood Out in the Ease of Doing Business Rankings – Insights from the Commissioner"

Table of Contents

1. Kaduna State as an Investment Destination
2. Ease of Doing Business Ranking
3. Governor Uba Sani’s Leadership
4. Role of KADIPA
5. Growth in Internally Generated Revenue
6. Ranking Process and Goals

Governor Uba Sani’s initiatives in infrastructure development and land administration reforms have established Kaduna State as one of Nigeria's premier investment hubs.

The Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, stated this during a press briefing on Friday, adding that Kaduna State is expected to lead in the Ease of Doing Business rankings in the upcoming assessment.

It is worth noting that Kaduna State previously secured the second position nationwide in the evaluation conducted by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for the Subnational Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Ranking.

In the 2023 report, the state was ranked 8th, achieving an EoDB score of 6.18; however, PEBEC's latest ranking has now elevated it to 2nd place in the country, with a score of 65.1% across 16 indicators.

Discussing this achievement, Mrs. Fakai recognized that this year’s success reflects Governor Uba Sani’s focused, reform-driven leadership, "whose consistent emphasis on private-sector-led investment has transformed Kaduna State into a competitive business destination."

The Commissioner revealed that the PEBEC assessment encompassed areas such as infrastructure, digital connectivity, taxation, and land administration.

“Kaduna advanced to 2nd place in 2025, showcasing measurable performance improvements year after year. By 2027, we aim to secure the top position, based on His Excellency’s developmental initiatives,” she added.

She emphasized that the Governor has revitalized the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), the one-stop investment center, to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that hinder investment.

“We have worked to lessen bureaucratic challenges for new investors, enhancing the efficiency of licensing and registration. Kaduna State also promotes the digitization of business services and approvals,” she noted.

According to her, KADIPA has also enhanced its aftercare services for investors by providing support systems and facilitating discussions with government officials to ensure project progress.

The Commissioner stated that these initiatives implemented by Governor Uba Sani have positioned Kaduna State as the second-best subnational entity for Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and the top in the North.

Mrs. Fakai also highlighted that the improvements in the Ease of Doing Business have raised Kaduna State’s “Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from ₦62 billion in 2023 to over ₦71 billion in 2025.”

“With the ongoing national tax reforms led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we anticipate that the state’s IGR will double by 2026,” she added.

She revealed that the ranking is conducted biennially to evaluate how state governments “implement reforms that reduce regulatory barriers, enhance service delivery, promote transparency, and lower the cost of doing business for investors and enterprises.”

The Commissioner further stated that the ranking aims to foster healthy competition among states regarding economic governance reforms, encourage private-sector-led growth, and attract investment.

Mrs. Fakai also mentioned that the assessment helps “improve policy consistency and regulatory predictability at subnational levels, supporting job creation, enterprise growth, and inclusive economic development.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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