The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction of new policies and regulatory changes, in a move aimed at protecting businesses from sudden disruptions.
The directive was announced in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, the Council’s Director-General.
According to PEBEC, the decision forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve regulatory quality, promote policy consistency, and enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business environment.
The council stated that the suspension will remain in effect until all MDAs fully comply with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework, a system designed to ensure policies are grounded in data and subjected to proper evaluation before implementation.
“It is imperative that no new policy or reform proceeds without clear, verifiable evidence,” Mustapha-Audu said, adding that the framework provides a structured process for developing and validating such decisions.
She explained that the directive is intended to prevent policy shocks, reduce inconsistencies, and curb the frequent reversals that often undermine investor confidence and business stability.
PEBEC emphasised that the RIA Framework, introduced in January 2025, is central to institutionalising transparency and accountability in government decision-making.
Under the framework, all MDAs are required to align proposed policies and amendments with established guidelines before approval and rollout. Agencies can also access technical support from the PEBEC Secretariat to ensure compliance.
Exceptions to the directive will only be granted in cases of urgent national interest and will require appropriate approvals.
The council noted that enforcing the framework will strengthen stakeholder confidence, improve policy predictability, and create a more business-friendly environment.
