The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Giadam, has reiterated the role of the police in enabling ease of doing business in Nigeria, as it requires a secure and stable society free of crime, corruption, or undue interference.
The minister stated this during a meeting with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) team led by the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole at the Headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja. This information was released to TheMediaGood Newspaper in a press release by the Police Ministry’s Deputy Director (Press), Bolaji O. Kazeem yesterday 20th March 2024.
The Minister pointed out that the primary role of the police is to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and enforce the rule of law, noting that a safe and secure business environment is essential for businesses to operate smoothly and for investors to feel confident in investing in the country.
“Your presence here signifies a crucial step towards fostering a more conducive business environment in our beloved country, Nigeria. As we gather here to discuss the Ease of Doing Business Regulatory Reform Accelerator, aimed at enhancing growth in productivity and competitiveness across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, I am filled with optimism and excitement about the positive impact that our collaboration can have on our nation’s economic landscape’, Gaidam said.
He added that the Ease of Doing Business Regulatory Reform Accelerator initiative is a testimony to their commitment to promoting business growth and development in Nigeria. ‘By identifying key barriers to doing business in our country and implementing targeted reforms, we aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and competitive business environment that will benefit both local and foreign investors’, Gaidam stressed.
The Minister opined that upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability is paramount to winning the trust and confidence of investors. He said the ‘objective of the reform is to eliminate corruption and misconduct within our ranks and build a police force that is respected and admired. We will implement robust systems to ensure that cases of misconduct and corruption are promptly and transparently addressed’.
According to him, “Corruption can be a significant barrier to doing business in Nigeria. The police can contribute to combating corruption by enforcing anti-corruption laws, investigating cases of corruption, and promoting transparency and accountability in their operations”.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole appreciated the Minister’s commitment to the implementation of Mr. President’s agenda to provide a friendly enabling environment for businesses in the country. She requested the Ministry’s intervention in facilitating ease of doing business in the airports, seaports, and trade corridors to curb the extortion and numerous checking points on the roads. ‘What concerns us more are business climate and investors, travelers’ interface, movement of goods from farm to port, the challenges of extortions and delay in the movement of goods and services, and the need to avoid litigation against the agencies and Federal government’, she said.