The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to introduce a performance framework that requires Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to meet measurable service delivery targets. This move aims to eliminate overlapping regulations, reduce bureaucratic delays and improve the business environment. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during a strategic engagement with heads of agencies and senior government officials in Abuja.
The proposed framework will strengthen accountability across government institutions, streamline regulatory processes and reduce the administrative and financial burdens businesses face in their dealings with public agencies. According to Oyedele, the next phase of Nigeria's economic reform programme must extend beyond stabilising the economy to resolving the everyday challenges confronting businesses and investors in their interactions with government institutions.
Oyedele stressed that public agencies should facilitate business activities and investment rather than create unnecessary obstacles for companies seeking to operate, expand and create jobs. He called on agencies to remain within their statutory mandates and eliminate duplicated requirements, multiple fees and unnecessary procedures that increase the cost of doing business.
The minister advocated a coordinated "One Government" approach under which MDAs would work together to prevent businesses and applicants from navigating conflicting requirements imposed by different government institutions. Where regulatory responsibilities overlap, Oyedele said the objective should be to establish "one lead agency, one process and one fee" to simplify compliance and eliminate duplication.
The approach aims to improve coordination among public institutions, reduce unnecessary administrative costs and provide businesses with a more predictable regulatory environment. Oyedele also urged agencies to consult relevant stakeholders before introducing new regulations, assess the potential economic implications of proposed measures and coordinate with other institutions whose mandates may be affected.
On public financial management, Oyedele directed agencies to remit all revenues due to the Federal Government promptly and in full. He also instructed them to transfer their operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund and submit audited accounts as required by law. The measures are aimed at strengthening financial discipline, improving transparency and ensuring that government agencies fulfil their statutory obligations concerning public revenue and financial reporting.
The framework is expected to make agencies more accountable for the quality, efficiency and timeliness of their services, while providing a basis for monitoring improvements in their operations. The Ministry of Finance will review submissions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks. The initiative is intended to improve the responsiveness of public institutions, strengthen compliance with statutory responsibilities and reduce the time and resources businesses spend navigating government procedures.
Key points
- The Federal Government aims to eliminate overlapping regulatory demands, curb unnecessary charges and improve coordination among agencies.
- The proposed framework will assess agency performance based on measurable results rather than administrative activities alone.
- The initiative hopes to create an environment that encourages investment, supports business expansion and promotes job creation.
