Nigeria’s PEBEC Suspends New MDA Policies to Curb Disruptions to Businesses

LAGOS, April 7 – The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction of new policies and regulatory changes, in a move aimed at preventing disruptions to businesses.

The directive, issued by PEBEC Director-General Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, forms part of efforts to improve regulatory quality and ensure greater consistency in government policymaking.

According to the council, the suspension will remain in place until all MDAs fully comply with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) framework, which mandates that policies be backed by verifiable data before implementation.

Mustapha-Audu said no new reform would proceed without clear evidence, noting that the framework provides a structured process for developing, assessing, and validating policy decisions. She added that the move is intended to prevent policy shocks, reduce inconsistencies, and limit frequent reversals that could affect businesses and investors.

The RIA framework, introduced in January 2025, is designed to strengthen transparency and institutionalise evidence-based policymaking across government agencies. It has been circulated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with MDAs required to align all new policies and amendments with its provisions.

PEBEC said exceptions to the directive would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approvals.

The council also noted that MDAs can seek technical support from its secretariat to ensure proper implementation of the framework.

The directive comes as part of broader reform efforts to improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business. Previous measures include a government mandate requiring MDAs to digitise operations and adopt paperless workflows by the end of 2025.