Uncoordinated laws raising business costs in Nigeria –Report
A new report on Nigeria’s business environment has raised concerns that the increasing number of “Private Member’s Bills” is making it harder for businesses to operate and discouraging investment. The
A new report on Nigeria’s business environment has raised concerns that the increasing number of “Private Member’s Bills” is making it harder for businesses to operate and discouraging investment.
The report explains that many lawmakers are now introducing bills on their own, without coordination with the executive arm of government. Although these bills are meant to solve specific problems, the growing number of proposals is slowing down the lawmaking process and creating confusion.
It found that several of these bills often repeat what existing laws already cover or even conflict with them. As a result, businesses are left unsure about which rules apply, making it more difficult and costly for them to operate in the country.
The report titled "Baseline Report on Priority Legislative Actions to Foster a Business-Enabling Environment" is published by the Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom; the Nigeria Economic Summit Group; and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
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It called for urgent changes in the lawmaking process, and suggested that priority attention should be given to executive-sponsored bills.
In addition, the report is asking for improved public access to draft laws in order to strengthen transparency and coordination across government institutions.
The report which was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja said giving priority to executive bills is critical to reducing policy conflicts and ensuring that new laws are properly aligned with existing regulations.
According to the document, executive-sponsored bills are more likely to reflect coordinated input from ministries, departments and agencies, making them easier to implement and less prone to contradictions.
It stated, “prioritising executive bills ensures stronger alignment with existing laws and improves the chances of effective implementation through better inter-ministerial coordination.”
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Closely linked to this is the call for improved public access to draft legislation. The report stressed that all bills should be made available to the public at an early stage, allowing businesses, professionals and other stakeholders to review and provide input before such laws are passed.
It said, “Publishing draft bills early and making them accessible to stakeholders will improve the quality of legislation, reduce uncertainty, and lower compliance costs for businesses.”
According to the report, limited access to proposed laws has often led to poor awareness and weak compliance, as many businesses only become aware of new regulations after they have already taken effect.
The document also placed strong importance on improving transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in the legislative process. It called for mandatory public hearings with clear timelines, as well as the use of digital platforms to make legislative activities more open and accessible.
“An inclusive legislative process that allows participation from the private sector, civil society and professionals will improve the legitimacy of laws and help identify potential conflicts early,” the report stated.
It explained that when stakeholders are involved in the lawmaking process, it not only builds trust but also ensures that laws are practical and responsive to real economic challenges.
In addition, the report pointed to the need for capacity building among those responsible for drafting laws. It noted that poorly drafted legislation often leads to ambiguity, duplication and enforcement challenges.
