By Seun Ibiyemi
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction of new policies and regulatory changes in a bid to prevent disruptions to businesses and investors.
The directive was announced in Abuja by the Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to enhance regulatory quality, ensure policy consistency, and strengthen Nigeria’s ease of doing business climate.
According to the council, the suspension will remain in effect until all MDAs fully comply with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework, which mandates evidence-based policymaking across government institutions.
Mustapha-Audu stressed that no new reform or policy would be allowed to proceed without being backed by clear and verifiable evidence, noting that the framework provides a structured mechanism for developing, assessing, and validating such policies.
She explained that the move is aimed at preventing policy shocks that could negatively impact businesses, investors, and citizens, while also addressing issues of inconsistency and frequent policy reversals.
The PEBEC boss added that the government’s intention is not to penalise or embarrass any institution but to foster collaboration and improve overall governance standards.
Introduced in January 2025, the RIA Framework is designed to improve transparency and ensure that policies undergo thorough evaluation before implementation.
All MDAs are now required to align their policy proposals and amendments with the framework prior to approval and rollout.
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The framework, which has been circulated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is also accessible on the PEBEC website, with MDAs encouraged to seek technical support from the council’s secretariat for proper implementation.
PEBEC, however, noted that exceptions to the directive would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest and subject to appropriate approvals.
The council expressed confidence that strict adherence to the RIA framework would institutionalise evidence-based policymaking, enhance transparency, and boost stakeholder confidence in government decisions.
