Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that the success of the government’s reforms hinges on the efficient functioning of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) aligning with the Bola Tinubu administration’s agenda.
Speaking at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Town Hall meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, Shettima highlighted the need for a business environment fostering innovation, creativity, and productivity, built on the administration’s 8-point agenda.
Shettima urged PEBEC members and MDAs to be motivated by the aspirations of Nigerians looking to grow their businesses and seeking governmental direction for a prosperous future. According to a statement from his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the meeting followed the completion of the 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan.
Describing the PEBEC town hall meeting as a rescue mission for the country, Shettima emphasized the critical role of creating an environment conducive to business growth. “Our success is not merely a matter of policy but is measured by its impact, from the small-time trader in Kafanchan to the large corporation on Lagos Island. Today, I feel the pulse of our collective desire to make this objective a reality,” he stated.
The vice president urged stakeholders, particularly the MDAs, to build on the past 120 days’ achievements with urgency and purpose. He stressed the importance of continuous improvement in Nigeria’s business environment through timely feedback, rigorous monitoring, and shared responsibility. “We are the vehicles of the promises made by President Tinubu,” Shettima said.
He further remarked, “The Regulatory Reform Accelerator is an avenue to inject life into our economy and renew the hope of our nation. The quality of your ideas and the intensity of your energy today are the very sparks we need to stay on track and to always remind ourselves of the burden of expectations upon us.”
Shettima highlighted the importance of aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and the 8-point agenda to foster innovation, creativity, and productivity.
He announced that PEBEC’s public sector reforms have achieved a collective score of over 80% at the start of the 90-Day Regulatory Reform Accelerator. Despite a slow start, the commitment of Ministers, Heads of Agencies, Reform Champions, and BFA Committee Members has significantly boosted reform implementation during the 30-Day extension.
He described PEBEC as an enabler for government MDAs, requiring unified and collaborative efforts across the council and MDAs. “The long-term success of PEBEC hinges on our ability to institutionalize reform capabilities, foster deep collaboration across government, and maintain a commitment to continuous improvements,” Shettima added.
In his welcome address, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President) Ibrahim Hadejia highlighted key aspects of PEBEC initiatives, such as the New PEBEC Business Champions, 90-Day Regulatory Reform Accelerator (RRA), and legislative and judicial reforms being implemented across MDAs. He expressed confidence that the town hall’s outcomes would significantly contribute to improving the business environment in the country.
Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, responding to questions from participants, assured that the Tinubu administration is committed to steady improvements in the country’s business environment.
She attributed the progress in reforms to Vice President Shettima’s personal commitment and leadership, noting his approval of a 30-day extension of the Regulatory Reform Accelerator as a milestone in the reform efforts. Dr. Oduwole emphasized the significance of the town hall in strengthening and making PEBEC’s initiatives more effective.
