FG TO HOLD MDAs TO MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE TARGETS, SEEKS END TO OVERLAPPING REGULATIONS
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has announced plans to hold Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to measurable performance targets as part of efforts to eliminate overlapping regulations, reduce bureaucratic delays and improve the business environment for investors and entrepreneurs.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this in a press release dated October 11, 2026, signed by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, following a strategic engagement between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, heads of agencies and senior government officials in Abuja.
Oyedele said Nigeria’s next phase of economic reforms must extend beyond macroeconomic stabilisation to addressing the practical challenges businesses face when interacting with government institutions.
He stressed that public agencies should facilitate business growth rather than create additional obstacles, urging them to operate strictly within their statutory mandates and eliminate duplicate requirements, multiple fees and unnecessary procedures that increase the cost of doing business.
The minister advocated a coordinated “One Government” approach, under which MDAs would harmonise their activities and prevent businesses and applicants from being subjected to conflicting demands by different institutions. Where regulatory responsibilities overlap, he said, the objective should be “one lead agency, one process and one fee.”
He also called on agencies to consult relevant stakeholders before introducing new regulations, evaluate the economic implications of proposed measures, coordinate with other institutions and provide reasonable notice before implementing major policy or regulatory changes.
On public financial accountability, Oyedele directed agencies to remit government revenues promptly and in full, transfer operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund and submit audited accounts in accordance with existing laws.
He said agency performance would be assessed based on measurable results, including the speed of service delivery, compliance with published timelines and the extent to which regulatory processes become less expensive for businesses.
The minister acknowledged that the Ministry of Finance must also be accountable under the proposed framework, noting that government should address its own internal bottlenecks, including slow approvals, delayed releases and outdated regulations.
As part of the implementation process, the ministry will review submissions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks. The draft framework will subsequently be circulated for further consultation, with each agency expected to agree to measurable performance commitments subject to periodic reviews.
The initiative is intended to strengthen accountability across public institutions, improve the quality and efficiency of government services and create a more predictable regulatory environment. By reducing the time and resources businesses spend navigating government procedures, the government hopes to encourage investment, support business expansion and promote job creation.
