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 more business-friendly environment for investors.
This was contained in statement signed by Mary-Ann Duke Okon, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who announced this on Thursday during high-level strategic engagement with heads of agencies and other senior government officials at Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja.
Oyedele said next phase of Nigeria’s economic reforms must go beyond achieving macroeconomic stability to improving 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 cost of doing business.
Under proposed framework, MDAs are expected to adopt “One Government” approach, requiring agencies to coordinate directly with one another rather than transferring burden of navigating government processes to applicants.
Minister explained that where mandates overlap, 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 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 Consolidated Revenue Fund.
He further stressed need for agencies to submit their audited accounts in accordance with existing laws.
Minister said agency performance would henceforth be assessed based on speed of service delivery, compliance with published timelines and reductions in cost of doing business.
He announced that Ministry of Finance would review submissions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks.
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 framework would apply equally to Ministry of Finance, noting that government institutions must address internal bottlenecks, including slow approvals, delayed releases and outdated rules.
He said initiative was aimed at strengthening accountability and efficiency across public sector while ensuring that government institutions support businesses to invest, operate, expand and create jobs.
