The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has unveiled a set of initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment, including the establishment of commercial courts and subnational councils across the country. These measures are part of the Council’s 2025 work plan to streamline business processes, particularly through subnational reforms and efficient arbitration.
Aimeya Okpebholo, the Project Manager at the PEBEC Secretariat, outlined the key initiatives in the Council’s 2025 Outlook document. She emphasized the importance of having a nationwide presence to effectively drive reforms at the state and local government levels.
A major highlight of the new reforms is the introduction of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework, which is designed to ensure that regulatory decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with the country’s economic objectives. According to Okpebholo, the framework marks a transformative step in enhancing Nigeria’s business environment, ensuring that the impact of regulatory changes on businesses and the economy is carefully considered.
“The RIA Framework represents a transformative step for Nigeria’s business environment,” said Okpebholo. “With its adoption, regulatory decisions will evaluate their potential impact on businesses and the economy in a structured and evidence-based way.”
PEBEC also announced plans to establish Ease of Doing Business Councils in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to harmonize efforts to improve the business climate at every level of government, ensuring that reforms are consistent and effectively implemented across the country.
In addition, PEBEC is prioritizing the creation of commercial courts to provide businesses with swift and efficient legal recourse. Efforts will focus on improving insolvency regulations, digitizing Small Claims Courts, and enhancing the establishment of commercial courts to ensure that businesses can resolve disputes in a timely manner. This move aims to bolster investor confidence by ensuring that businesses have access to justice when needed.
To further enhance the business environment, PEBEC will accelerate digital solutions within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) through its Innovation and Technology strategy. This includes enhancing platforms such as the reportgov.ng portal to promote transparency, reduce rent-seeking behavior, and encourage compliance with regulations.
“Through these initiatives, PEBEC is fostering a transparent, accountable, and responsive government,” the statement read.
The Federal Government established PEBEC in 2016 under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who currently chairs the Council. The initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The PEBEC 2025 Outlook document underscores the Council’s commitment to retaining investments, attracting new opportunities, and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a business-friendly destination.
