MDAs directed to pause introduction of new policies pending adoption of RIA framework
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pause the introduction and rollout of any new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pause the introduction and rollout of any new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved.
Director General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, in a statement in Abuja said this is in line with the federal government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory quality, ensuring policy coherence, and improving the ease of doing business.
Audu said the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework was formally implemented in January 2025, and all MDAs are required to ensure that any new policy or amendment introduced after this date is subject to review and approval in line with the Framework.
The statement reads, "The RIA Framework has already been circulated to all MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and is also available on the PEBEC website. MDAs are therefore expected to familiarize themselves with the Framework and immediately align their policy development processes accordingly.
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"While the government remains committed to working collaboratively with all regulators and does not seek to embarrass any institution, it is imperative to emphasize that no new reform or policy will be permitted to proceed without being grounded in clear, verifiable evidence. The RIA Framework provides the structured mechanism through which such evidence-based decisions can be rigorously developed, assessed, and validated."
Audu said the directive is necessary to prevent policy shocks that may adversely affect businesses, investors, and citizens; eliminate policy inconsistencies and frequent reversals (policy flip-flops); institutionalize evidence-based policymaking across government; enhance transparency, predictability, and stakeholder confidence in public policies; and ensure adequate stakeholder engagement to drive policy buy-in and minimize resistance or backlash prior to implementation.
"Accordingly, all MDAs are required to: Suspend all planned or proposed policy rollouts that have not yet been formally implemented
"Ensure that all new policy proposals and any amendments introduced post-January 2025 are supported by a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) and receive the necessary approvals
"Undertake structured and inclusive stakeholder engagement as part of the policy development process to improve acceptance and implementation outcomes
"Integrate the RIA process into their internal policy formulation procedures going forward," Audu said.
The statement indicated that exceptions to this directive will only be considered in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approval.
"The cooperation of all MDAs is essential to building a more stable, consistent, and business-friendly regulatory environment that supports sustainable economic growth and investor confidence," it reads.
