The Kwara State Government has conducted a sensitisation workshop for 16 local government chairmen, vice chairmen, union leaders, and stakeholders to advance its ongoing ease of doing business reforms, aimed at fostering a more investor-friendly and efficient business climate across the state.

The event, organised by the Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council, formed part of efforts to disseminate reform policies to grassroots-level authorities and ensure alignment with the state's broader economic transformation agenda. Dr Hauwa Nuru, Commissioner for Finance and Chairperson of the Council, stated: "Our goal is to cascade these reforms to the local government level, ensuring uniformity in policies and improved service delivery for entrepreneurs."

A statement by Babatunde Abdulrasheed, Press Secretary to the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin, confirmed the workshop's focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining licensing processes, and enhancing transparency in local governance to attract investment and stimulate job creation.

She highlighted key initiatives of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration, including the establishment of the Kwara Geographic Information Service, digitalisation of construction permits, automation of land acquisition processes, a database for micro, small and medium enterprises, and tax reforms to improve compliance and revenue collection.

She said, "Kwara State, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has implemented comprehensive reforms and infrastructure projects to enhance the business environment, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth.

"These initiatives align with the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms programme, supported by the World Bank.

"These efforts are part of a broader vision to position Kwara as a hub of economic opportunity, where businesses can thrive without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles."

She added that the administration had completed dozens of road projects and was also constructing over 209 kilometres of rural roads to connect farming communities to urban markets.

Other major projects she listed include the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama, Ilorin International Conference Centre, Sugar Film Factory, Shonga ICT Hub, Small Claims Court, the State Garment Factory, and the proposed Kwara Smart City.

Also speaking, the ALGON Chairman and Kaiama LG Chair, Hon. Abdullahi Danladi, commended the governor's transformation agenda and urged continued collaboration to grow the economy at the grassroots.

Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, noted that her ministry was working with the Ministry of Local Government to harness local economic potential.

Commissioner for Local Government, Hon Abubakar Bata, praised the collaboration between the EODBC and local councils, describing it as key to stimulating rural development.

The Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, briefed council chiefs on the state's drug revolving scheme to ensure constant drug availability in health centres.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, called on LG leaders to remove all barriers to business growth and development, especially practices like blocking public roads during social functions.

He specifically urged Ilorin East and West local councils to address the issue, warning that such practices could cost lives and hurt local economies by delaying emergency responses and business transactions.