FG Sets New Performance Targets For MDAs, Seeks Business-Friendly Regulations

The Federal Government has introduced new performance expectations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), requiring them to improve service delivery, eliminate overlapping regulatory processes and create a more business-friendly environment for investors. According to a statement signed by Mary-Ann Duke Okon, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to……

The Federal Government has introduced new performance expectations for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), requiring them to improve service delivery, eliminate overlapping regulatory processes and create a more business-friendly environment for investors.

According to a statement signed by Mary-Ann Duke Okon, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, announced this on Thursday during a high-level strategic engagement with heads of agencies and other senior government officials at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja.

Oyedele said the next phase of Nigeria’s economic reforms must go beyond achieving macroeconomic stability to improving the day-to-day experience of businesses dealing with government institutions.

He stressed that agencies must operate strictly within their statutory mandates and eliminate overlapping requirements, fees and processes that increase the cost of doing business.

Under the proposed framework, MDAs are expected to adopt a “One Government” approach, requiring agencies to coordinate directly with one another rather than transferring the burden of navigating government processes to applicants.

The minister explained that where mandates overlap, the objective would be to establish “one lead agency, one process and one fee,” while unnecessary regulatory requirements would be reviewed.

He also directed agencies to strengthen their approach to introducing and implementing regulations by consulting affected stakeholders, assessing the economic costs of proposed measures and coordinating with other government institutions.

According to him, agencies must also provide reasonable notice before implementing major policy or regulatory changes to enable businesses and other affected parties to prepare.

On public finance management, Oyedele emphasised that all legally due revenues must be remitted fully and promptly, while operating surpluses must be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

He further stressed the need for agencies to submit their audited accounts in accordance with existing laws.

The minister said agency performance would henceforth be assessed based on the speed of service delivery, compliance with published timelines and reductions in the cost of doing business.

He announced that the Ministry of Finance would review submissions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks.

The draft framework will also be circulated for further consultation, after which each agency will agree to measurable commitments whose implementation will be reviewed periodically.

Oyedele reaffirmed that the framework would apply equally to the Ministry of Finance, noting that government institutions must address internal bottlenecks, including slow approvals, delayed releases and outdated rules.

He said the initiative was aimed at strengthening accountability and efficiency across the public sector while ensuring that government institutions support businesses to invest, operate, expand and create jobs.

The development forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve institutional performance and establish a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses and investors.

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