PEBEC: Shettima Sets 90-day Reform Agenda

As the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) commences its 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan, Vice President Kashim Shettima, has demanded stronger synergy and adoption of technology from stakeholders in the public and private sectors to enhance the business environment in Nigeria.

The PEBEC action plan underscores the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to delivering impactful reforms, working with the Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to foster a conducive business environment and improve the perception about the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The vice president who gave the charge on Tuesday during the second PEBEC meeting he chaired at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha noted that a robust engagement among stakeholders and adopting relevant technology will help in addressing bottlenecks experienced by operators in the nation’s entry points as well as in the area of business regulation.

The 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator aligns with the PEBEC’s Regulatory Reforms Workstream, focusing on eight key indicators designed to deliver measurable growth across industries, while institutionalizing MDA-led reforms through BFA 2022 compliance.

The eight key indicators which are being actively monitored over the next 90 days include review and update on MDA Service Level Agreements; Track MDA Transparency Reforms; Track MDA Efficiency Reforms; Track Entry & Exit (Airport) Reforms; Track Port Operations Reforms; Facilitate National Single Window Project; AgroExport Reforms and Manufacturing for Export Reforms.

While the plan will be implemented in close collaboration with stakeholders, PEBEC is to provide regular updates on the Accelerator’s progress.

In her presentation, the special adviser to the president on PEBEC and investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated the 90-day accelerator would deliver a measurable export-focused impact for productivity and competitiveness across key sectors to improve the Nigerian business environment and support the economic initiatives of the Tinubu administration.

She emphasised the need to approach the next 90 days with a sense of urgency and purpose to rapidly improve Nigeria’s business climate by collaborating with the private sector and demonstrating commitment to the overall wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly in these challenging times.

The mechanisms include fortnightly performance tracking meetings and a highly anticipated town hall meeting slated to be hosted by the Vice President in Q2 2024.

Present at the meeting were Justice Tijjani Abubakar who represented the Chief Justice of Nigeria; chairman of Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator Sadiq Umar; ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani; Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola and the minister of state for FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure.