Nigeria suspends new policies

The Nigeria — Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Nigeria has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction of new policies and regulatory changes. This suspension will remain in effect until MDAs fully comply with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework, which was introduced in January 2025. The directive, issued by Nigeria — Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Director-General Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, aims to improve regulatory quality, ensure policy consistency, and strengthen Nigeria's ease of doing business environment. The goal is to prevent 'policy shocks' and 'frequent reversals' that have historically deterred investment, ensuring all new reforms are grounded in verifiable evidence and adequate stakeholder engagement. Exceptions will only be granted for matters of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approvals. The Nigeria — Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has circulated the RIA framework, and Nigeria — Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is offering technical support to MDAs for its implementation.