EFFORTS OF THE NORTH EAST ZONAL COORDINATING OFFICE BAUCHI TO ENHANCE THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

The North East Zonal Coordinating Office in Bauchi is responsible for coordinating and implementing policies and programs of the Council aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the Northeast region of Nigeria. In line with the federal government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria, the office has undertaken several activities to facilitate import/export business activities in the region. Some of these activities include:

1. Stakeholders/Associations Activities: The office facilitated the formation of Yobe State Shippers Association (YSSA) and also organized an inauguration ceremony for the association’s elected executives in February 2023. By Successful inauguration of the pioneer executives of Yobe State Shippers Association (YSSA), the North East Coordinating Office Bauchi played an important role in facilitating the formation and establishment of the Shippers Associations in each of the six states of the North East Geopolitical Zone under our coverage. The aim of forming these associations is to represent the interests of shippers in the northeastern region of Nigeria.

Above: Pictures of swearing in ceremony of Yobe State Shippers Association (YSSA) held in February 2023.

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: The office has worked with government agencies such as NEPC, NRC, CAC, NRC, SON, RMRDC etc to streamline procedures and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy in order to make it easier for businesses to obtain licenses, permits and all the necessary support they needed from government agencies to enable them perform optimally.

• Collection and Collation of data on exportable commodities: the North East Zonal Coordinating Office in Bauchi was able to carry out quarterly data capture in local weekly markets of Kirfi and Gadar Maiwa in Alkaleri in Bauchi state and Tudun Hatsi Market in Gombe State. Capturing trade and transport data is crucial for various reasons as follows:
• Data on trade provides valuable information for policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about trade and transport-related issues.
•  Trade and transport data is essential for monitoring and enforcing regulations and agreements, such as those related to customs, tariffs, and trade barriers. This can help promote fair competition and prevent fraud and other illicit activities.
• Capturing trade and transport data is essential for promoting sustainable economic growth, improving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with regulations and agreements.

• Facilitation and monitoring of IDPs/VTAs in the zone: The Zonal Coordinator in company of other staff and members of National Association of road transport Owners (NARTO) paid a visit to the site of the ongoing VTA project in Potiskum, Yobe State on 20^th February, 2023.

The Coordinator expressed dissatisfaction over inactivity at the project site for the past six months. He noted that since last year (2022), no single activity has taken place. He therefore expressed hope that the contractor would remobilize to the site soon to complete the project in view of its socio-economic benefits to Yobe State and the Country at large.

• Stakeholders enlightenment programmes: The office proposed one seminar and one clinic to sensitize our stakeholders as follows:
• Seminar with the theme “Understanding the Consolidated Trade Environment for Imports and Exports’’ to be organized in Yobe State on 26^th April 2023.
• Stakeholders clinic/breakfast meeting with the theme “Promoting the Export Capacity of Non-Oil Commodities in the North East” to be organized in Gombe, Gombe staTe on Wednesday, 12^th April 202.

These proposals have been put forward for approval by the ES/CEO to be implemented. This will enable us achieve our objective of implementing 2023 kPIs as mandated by the Council’s Strategic Plan.

• Handling of Complaint/Enquiries: The NEZCO Bauchi was able to handle an enquiry by Messr Samaila Ahmad Adamu on 15^th March 2023 for a guide on procedure for export and import. The potential Shipper was properly briefed on procedure and processes involved in starting export/import business and the following documents were provided to the Shipper for his guide:
• Document on export procedure in Nigeria by NEPC.
• Document on import procedure from Nigerian Customs Service.
• Conclusion:

These activities will contribute to improving the ease of doing business in the Northeast region of Nigeria, and help to attract investment and create jobs in the region. Uploading this information onto the council’s website will help to promote the activities of the office and showcase the efforts being made to improve the business environment in the region.

By: Bulama Modu Ngwalibe

WDO NEZCO Bauchi