The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new framework aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and making government more responsive to businesses and investors. The framework is designed to hold Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to measurable performance targets, eliminating overlapping regulatory demands and streamlining government processes. This move is part of Nigeria's economic reforms, which seek to go beyond stabilising the economy to addressing everyday frustrations businesses encounter in their dealings with government.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, unveiled the framework during a strategic engagement with heads of agencies and senior government officials in Abuja. Oyedele emphasized that agencies must make it easier for businesses to operate, invest and expand, and called on them to remain within their statutory mandates. He also urged agencies to eliminate duplicate requirements, multiple fees and unnecessary procedures that increase the cost of doing business.
The new framework, known as the "One Government" approach, aims to coordinate the activities of MDAs to reduce conflicting demands on businesses and applicants. Where mandates overlap, the goal is to have one lead agency, one process and one fee. Oyedele also stressed the importance of stakeholder consultation before introducing new regulations, assessing the economic implications of proposed measures and coordinating with other relevant institutions.
The Minister directed agencies to remit all revenues due to the government promptly and in full, transfer operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund and submit audited accounts as required by law. He also made clear that agency performance would be judged by results, including how quickly services are delivered, whether published timelines are respected and whether regulatory processes become less costly for businesses.
The Ministry of Finance will review submissions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks. The draft framework will then be circulated for further consultation, with each agency expected to agree to measurable commitments whose implementation will be reviewed periodically. This initiative seeks to make public institutions more accountable for the quality and speed of their services.
The framework aims to create a regulatory environment in which businesses can spend less time navigating government procedures and more time investing, expanding and creating jobs. Oyedele acknowledged that government must also tackle internal obstacles such as slow approvals, delayed releases and outdated rules. The Ministry of Finance will be held to the same expectations as other agencies.
The implementation of the framework will be reviewed periodically, and agencies that fail to meet their commitments will be held accountable. The initiative is expected to improve the business environment in Nigeria, making it easier for businesses to operate and create jobs.
Key points
- The framework aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and make government more responsive to businesses and investors.
- The "One Government" approach seeks to coordinate the activities of MDAs to reduce conflicting demands on businesses and applicants.
- Agency performance will be judged by results, including service delivery, timeline adherence and regulatory process costs.
