By ELIZABETH OGUNJOBI

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has urged states to improve their digital visibility and transparency to unlock economic potentials and attract investment.

The Director-General of the council, Zahrah Mustapha Audu, said this while speaking virtually at the PEBEC’s Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement Tour, on Monday in Gombe.

Audu said that visibility has become a critical determinant of competitiveness in today’s global economy, hence the need for states to actively shape their narrative rather than allow others to define them.

She highlighted that investors around the world evaluate investment opportunities based on digitally credible information visible to them before they go for proper investment.

According to Audu, today’s investment reality demands that states become intentional in how they project themselves to the world, such projection often affects investment decision making.

Audu stressed that every state must develop a strong and credible digital footprint, to have a compelling investment story and must be visible where investments are lurking.

“Digital visibility requires more than having a website or social media account but requires a coordinated communication strategy towards moving from reactive communication to strategic communication,” she said.

Audu said that such a communication strategy must consistently highlights reforms, investment opportunities, success stories, infrastructure projects, success strength and business-friendly policies.

“An investor sitting in London, Dubai, Singapore, Johannesburg or Lagos often begins by evaluating opportunities long before they board a plane.

“The first interaction is that states are increasingly digital for investors to access their websites, review investment portals, examine online media coverage, to analyse data, search for evidence of successful businesses already operating within the state,” she said.

Audu also highlighted the need for states to continue to partner with the Federal Government to build an environment conducive for businesses and investments to thrive.

She said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was implementing an economic reform agenda with a vision that Nigeria could only prosper when all tiers of governance move in the same direction.

“As President Tinubu has consistently emphasised, the future of Nigeria’s economy will not be determined in Abuja alone but in our states, our cities, our industrial clusters, innovation hubs, our farms and our local governments.”

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya reiterated commitment to partnership that ensured reforms were carried out and challenges addressed.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Mannasah Jatau, the governor said that his administration would continue to partner with the council to position the state as an investment hub in Nigeria.(NAN)

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