1. Approval of the year 2026 Ekiti Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) document for implementation.
The approval the Year 2026 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) is a reaffirmation of the State Government’s commitment to strengthening the business environment and sustaining its participation in the World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme.
Ekiti State is an active participant in the SABER Programme—a three-year (2023–2025) performance-based initiative jointly designed by the World Bank and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), with support from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and the State Commissioners for Finance Forum.
Following a nationwide review of implementation progress, PEBEC recently extended the programme by one year, shifting its completion date from 2025 to 2026.
This extension allows participating states, including Ekiti, to complete ongoing reforms, meet revised targets, and implement newly introduced Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs). The updated programme framework includes additional timelines, clarified requirements, and expanded reform targets.
To demonstrate its readiness for the 2026 cycle, the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), working in collaboration with the organised private sector, developed a draft BERAP 2026 Work Plan.
The plan was unanimously endorsed by all stakeholders and subsequently reviewed and cleared by PEBEC before presentation to the State Executive Council for approval.
It is also worth highlighting Ekiti State’s remarkable improvement in the 2025 Sub-national Ease of Doing Business rankings released by PEBEC which moved Ekiti up eight places, from 18th to 10th, earning a spot among the top ten performers nationwide.
This achievement underscores the State Government’s continued commitment to building a more attractive and enabling environment for investors and entrepreneurs.
With Council’s approval, the Year 2026 Ekiti BERAP document will now proceed to online publication ahead of the national deadline of 31 December 2025, a key eligibility requirement for states seeking to continue in the SABER Programme for the extension year.
The Ekiti State Government reiterates its commitment to deepening reforms, improving service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and ensuring that the state continues to advance as a preferred destination for business and investment.
*2. Approval Of N500 Million Cooperative Intervention Fund To Strengthen Grassroots Economic Development*
The approval is aimed at boosting the capacity, productivity, and long-term sustainability of Cooperative Societies and Unions across the state.
This initiative is in fulfilment of the commitment made by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, during the 2023 Cooperative Day celebration, where he pledged strategic support to strengthen the cooperative movement as a driver of inclusive economic growth.
Under the approved arrangement and in a deliberate effort to ensure affordability and sustainability, the Ekiti State Government will provide direct funding of ₦500 million, while Omiye Microfinance Bank will serve as the implementing partner. The financing will be made available to cooperatives at a highly subsidized interest rate of 5% per annum, with a repayment period of 12 to 24 months.
The intervention fund is expected to increase cooperative productivity and output; expand employment opportunities; support small businesses and informal sector players; diversify the state’s revenue base and strengthen the resilience of cooperative societies for long-term growth
This approval marks another significant step in the Oyebanji Administration’s drive to empower citizens, enhance economic inclusion, and support the informal sector including petty traders and street vendors; smallholder farmers; tailors, hairdressers, mechanics; artisans (carpenters, welders, plumbers); transportation (okada riders, keke operators); home-based businesses (caterers, fashion designers) and informal manufacturing (soap making, furniture making) amongst other.
It is specifically tailored to provide job opportunities for a large percentage of the population, supports local markets and communities, help reduce poverty by offering accessible income opportunities and act as a safety net to support the white collar job opportunities.
*3. Approval of ₦15,181,751,398.54 (fifteen billion, one hundred and eighty one million, seven hundred and fifty one thousand, three hundred and ninety eight naira, fifty four kobo) for the reconstruction of Ifaki-Esure-Ilomu-Eyio-Awo-Igede Ekiti Road.*
The decision reflects the Administration’s sustained commitment to improving transportation infrastructure across the State. It was aimed at easing vehicular movement, open up adjoining communities, and boost socio-economic activities within the corridor.
The contract for the full reconstruction of the road approved to be awarded to Messrs. CCECC Nig. Limited with payment of 60% of the contract sum as mobilization fee upon the submission of an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) or Insurance Bond.
The project is scheduled to be completed within 24 months
*4. Ekiti State joins Nigeria For Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) programme*
The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has commenced the Nigeria For Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at empowering rural women economically.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi made this known while briefing the State Executive Council on the progress of the programme.
The programme which focuses on forming Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), providing financial literacy, business skills, savings and credit training, and supporting livelihood collectives, primarily targets women aged 18 and above engaged in subsistence-level activities in three pilot Local Government Areas: Efon (Ekiti Central), Moba (Ekiti North), and Gbonyin/Ayekire (Ekiti South).
The project is backed by US$3 million from the International Development Association (IDA) and ₦450 million from the State Government. A fully staffed Project Coordinating Unit has been established at No. 13 Olu Akinyede Street, GRA, Ado-Ekiti, and activities including advocacy visits, community sensitization, and recruitment of Ward Facilitators are already underway in over focuses on forming Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), providing financial literacy, business skills, savings and credit training, and supporting livelihood collectives
The scheme is a reaffirmation of Governor Oyebanji administration’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment as a key driver for sustainable development, with the creation of lasting opportunities for women aimed at improving livelihoods across the State.
Signed
Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun
Honourable Commissioner for Information
Last modified: December 12, 2025
