The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council has directed ministries, departments, and agencies to halt the introduction and rollout of new policies and regulations.

It also directed a halt to major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Framework is achieved.

Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, the director-general of PEBEC, gave the directive in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Ms Mustapha-Audu said the directive was in line with the federal government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory quality, ensuring policy coherence, and improving the ease of doing business.

According to her, the RIA framework was formally inaugurated in January 2025, and all MDAs were required to ensure that any new policy or amendment introduced after that date is subject to review and approval in line with the framework.

Ms Mustapha-Audu noted that the federal government remains committed to working collaboratively with all regulators and does not seek to embarrass any institution.

“It is imperative to emphasise that no new reform or policy will be permitted to proceed without being grounded in clear, verifiable evidence,” she said.

She added that the framework provided a structured mechanism for rigorously developing, assessing, and validating such evidence-based decisions.

Ms Abubakar-Audu further said that the directive was necessary to prevent policy shocks that may adversely affect businesses, investors, and citizens, and to eliminate policy inconsistencies and frequent reversals (policy flip-flops).

“It will institutionalise evidence-based policymaking across government and enhance transparency, predictability, and stakeholder confidence in public policies. It will ensure adequate stakeholder engagement to drive policy buy-in and minimise resistance or backlash prior to implementation,” she said.

Ms Mustapha-Audu also said that for the ease of implementation, MDAs may access the RIA Framework via the PEBEC website or seek guidance and technical support directly from the PEBEC secretariat.

“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,” Ms Mustapha-Audu added.

(NAN)