Ending "Policy Flip-Flops": PEBEC Stops New Policies, Orders MDAs to Comply with Regulatory Framework

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has issued a directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately stop the rollout of new policies and regulations.

The order, issued on Monday in a statement by PEBEC Director-General Princess Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, stipulates that no major regulatory changes will be permitted until MDAs achieve full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework.

The RIA framework, officially launched in January 2025, was designed to ensure that every government policy is backed by verifiable data.

The DG emphasized that any policy or amendment introduced after the January start date must undergo a rigorous review and approval process.

“No new reform or policy will be permitted to proceed without being grounded in clear, verifiable evidence,” Mustapha-Audu stated. “The framework provides the structured mechanism through which such decisions are developed and validated.”

The directive aims to protect the Nigerian economy from “policy shocks”, sudden changes that can destabilize businesses and scare off investors. By enforcing the RIA framework, PEBEC intends to:

Eliminate Inconsistency: Stop the trend of frequent policy reversals (flip-flops).

Boost Confidence: Enhance transparency and predictability for investors and citizens.

Encourage Engagement: Ensure stakeholders are consulted before implementation to minimize resistance.

Institutionalize Quality: Make evidence-based policymaking the standard across all government levels.

“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has already circulated the framework to all MDAs. For agencies requiring assistance, PEBEC is offering technical support and guidance through its Secretariat.”

The DG clarified that while the government is committed to collaboration and does not wish to “embarrass any institution,” the rules are firm. Exceptions to this freeze will only be granted in rare cases of urgent national interest and will require high-level approval.

PoliticalEcononistng reports that the PEBEC established in July 2016, is the Federal Government’s lead body for business environment interventions. Its dual mandate is to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and legislative constraints, making it easier for businesses to start and grow in Nigeria.