By Nkoli Amandianaeze
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has released its 2025 Outlook document, outlining a strategic roadmap for the Secretanat’s workplan for 2025 and the expected outcomes to improving Nigeria’s business environment.
Aimeya Okpebholo, Project Manager, PEBEC Secretariat, made this known in a statement, noting that central to the forward thinking workplan is the introduction of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework, which she described as an innovative tool designed to assess the potential impact of regulatory decisions on businesses and the economy.
“The RIA Framework represents a transformative step for Nigeria’s business environment.
“With its adoption, the PEBEC Secretariat will ensure that regulatory decisions are not only transparent and effective but also aligned with the nation’s economic development objectives” she said.
Aimeya declared that the framework will empower regulators to make evidence-based decisions, carefully evaluating their potential impact on businesses and the economy.
She further highlighted that the PEBEC 2025 Outlook reaffirms the Council’s commitment to driving critical business reforms through the Omnibus Bill 2.0, a landmark piece of legislation poised to transform Nigeria’s business landscape.
According to Project Manager, the strategic move is designed to streamline processes and create a more conducive environment for business growth.
She also emphasized PEBEC’s continued support for sub-national initiatives, including the roll-out of the Subnational Ease of Doing Business reforms.
“A key focus will be the establishment of Ease of Doing Business Councils across all 36 states and the FCT, ensuring a harmonized approach to improving the business climate at every level of government.
“A key focus for PEBEC In 2025 will be driving legislative and judicial reforms aimed at improving access to justice.
“Efforts will concentrate on improving insolvency regulations and supporting the digitization of Small Claims Courts, and establishing Commercial Courts to provide businesses with quick and efficient legal recourse.
“These reforms are designed to boost Investor confidence and streamline access to justice, creating a more conducive environment for businesses to start and grow.
“PEBEC’s Innovation and Technology strategy will drive the accelerated adoption of digital solutions across MDAs, streamlining processes for greater efficiency. Through initiatives like the reportgov.ng portal, the Council will foster increased compliance, reduce rent-seeking behavior, and minimize manual processes, leading to a more transparent, accountable, and responsive government.
“Additionally, strategic communications will be bolstered to ensure that businesses and key stakeholders nationwide are well-informed and actively engaged with ongoing reforms” noted PEBEC, in the statement..
Established in July 2016 by the Federal Government, PEBEC has been prioritized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFER, In line with the 8 point renewed hope agenda of this administration.
The Council’s chaired by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and comprises 24 members from all arms and levels of government.
Overall, the PEBEC 2025 Outlook document demonstrates the Council ‘s commitment to driving business reforms for investment retention, attract new opportunities for sustainable growth, and improve the perception of doing business in Nigeria.
The PEBEC 2024 Outlook is available for download on its official website.