The Federal Government has announced the suspension of new policy issuance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved.
The directive was disclosed on Tuesday by the Director of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Audu, in an official statement.
According to Audu, the move forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business environment. She explained that the decision is aimed at preventing policy shocks that could negatively impact businesses, investors, and citizens.
“All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are hereby directed to pause the introduction and rollout of any new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Framework is achieved,” the statement read in part.
She noted that the RIA Framework, formally implemented in January 2025, requires all MDAs to subject any new policy or amendments to a rigorous review and approval process. The framework, already circulated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is also accessible via the PEBEC website.
Audu emphasized that no new reform or policy would proceed without clear, verifiable, and evidence-based justification. She added that the framework provides a structured mechanism for developing, assessing, and validating such policies.
The directive, she said, is designed to eliminate policy inconsistencies, reduce frequent reversals, and institutionalize evidence-based policymaking across government institutions. It also aims to enhance transparency, predictability, and stakeholder confidence, while ensuring adequate consultation to minimize resistance or backlash.
Under the new directive, MDAs are required to suspend all proposed policies that have not yet been implemented, ensure all new proposals are supported by comprehensive RIA documentation, and integrate the framework into their internal processes. They are also mandated to conduct inclusive stakeholder engagement before introducing any policy.
The government, however, noted that exceptions would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approvals.
The statement concluded by stressing that cooperation from all MDAs is critical to building a stable, consistent, and business-friendly regulatory environment that supports sustainable economic growth and boosts investor confidence.
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