FG Enforces New Targets To Fix MDA Delays, Overlapping Rules

The Federal Government has announced plans to hold min­istries, departments and agen­cies (MDAs) to measurable performance targets to reduce bureaucratic delays and elimi­nate overlapping regulations.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Fed­eral Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, said the minister, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday at an engagement with agency heads and senior government officials in Abuja.

Oyedele said the next phase of Nigeria’s economic reforms would focus on addressing ev­eryday challenges businesses face when dealing with govern­ment institutions.

He urged agencies to operate strictly within their statutory mandates and eliminate dupli­cate requirements, multiple fees and unnecessary procedures that increase the cost of doing business.

Under the proposed ‘One Government’ approach, agen­cies are expected to coordinate their activities, ensuring busi­nesses face fewer conflicting demands from different insti­tutions.

“Where mandates overlap, the goal should be one lead agency, one process and one fee,” Oyedele said.

The minister also called for stakeholder consultations before introducing new regu­lations, alongside economic im­pact assessments, inter-agency coordination and reasonable no­tice before major policy changes.

On public finance, he di­rected agencies to remit gov­ernment revenues promptly, transfer operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund and submit audited accounts as required by law.

Oyedele said agencies’ per­formance would be assessed through measurable results, including service delivery time­lines, reduced regulatory costs, and compliance with published deadlines.

He acknowledged that the Ministry of Finance must also address internal bottlenecks, in­cluding slow approvals, delayed releases and outdated rules.

The minister disclosed that the ministry would review sub­missions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks.

Oyedele said the draft frame­work would subsequently be circulated for further consulta­tions, with each agency expect­ed to agree to measurable com­mitments subject to periodic reviews.

He said the initiative seeks to strengthen public accountabili­ty, improve service delivery and create a business environment that encourages investment, ex­pansion and job creation.

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