Abuja: The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction of new policies and regulations. This directive also extends to major regulatory changes until there is full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, the Director-General of PEBEC, issued the directive as part of the Federal Government’s aim to enhance regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve the ease of doing business in the country. Mustapha-Audu noted that the RIA framework, which was inaugurated in January 2025, mandates that any new policy or amendment introduced after its launch must undergo review and approval in accordance with the framework.
She emphasized that the framework has been distributed to all MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and can also be accessed on the PEBEC website. MDAs are urged to familiarize themselves with the framework and align their policy development processes to meet its requirements immediately.
The Director-General clarified that the federal government is committed to a collaborative approach with all regulators and does not intend to embarrass any institution. She stressed that no new reform or policy will be allowed to proceed without being substantiated by clear, verifiable evidence. The framework serves as a structured mechanism for developing, assessing, and validating such evidence-based decisions rigorously.
Mustapha-Audu further explained that the directive aims to prevent policy shocks that could negatively impact businesses, investors, and citizens, as well as to eliminate inconsistencies and frequent policy reversals. By institutionalizing evidence-based policymaking, the government seeks to enhance transparency, predictability, and stakeholder confidence in public policies. It also ensures sufficient stakeholder engagement to foster policy buy-in and reduce resistance before implementation.
For easier implementation, MDAs are encouraged to access the RIA Framework through the PEBEC website or seek guidance and technical support from the PEBEC Secretariat. Exceptions to this directive will only be considered in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approval.
The cooperation of all MDAs is deemed essential to build a more stable, consistent, and business-friendly regulatory environment that supports sustainable economic growth and investor confidence. Established in July 2016, PEBEC is tasked with overseeing Nigeria’s business environment interventions, with the dual mandate of removing bureaucratic and legislative constraints to doing business in the country.