FG directs MDAs to halt new policies pending compliance with regulatory impact analysis framework

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately suspend the introduction and rollout of new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved.

The directive, issued as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business, underscores the government’s commitment to institutionalising evidence-based policymaking across all sectors.

In a statement signed by Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the government noted that the RIA Framework, which was formally implemented in January 2025, is now mandatory for all MDAs.

According to the statement, any policy or regulatory amendment introduced after the implementation date must undergo a comprehensive review and secure approval in line with the framework before it can be executed.

The government said the framework had already been circulated to all MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is also available on the PEBEC website. It urged all agencies to familiarise themselves with its provisions and align their internal policy development processes accordingly.

While reaffirming its commitment to collaboration with regulators, the government stressed that no new reform or policy would be allowed to proceed without being grounded in clear, verifiable evidence.

“The RIA Framework provides a structured mechanism through which evidence-based decisions can be rigorously developed, assessed, and validated,” the statement said.

It explained that the directive is aimed at preventing policy shocks that could negatively impact businesses, investors, and citizens, as well as eliminating inconsistencies and frequent policy reversals.

The government added that the move would enhance transparency, improve predictability in policymaking, boost stakeholder confidence, and ensure adequate engagement before policies are implemented.

“This directive is necessary to: Prevent policy shocks that may adversely affect businesses, investors, and citizens, Eliminate policy inconsistencies and frequent reversals (policy flip-flops)

“Institutionalise evidence-based policymaking across government, Enhance transparency, predictability, and stakeholder confidence in public policies

“Ensure adequate stakeholder engagement to drive policy buy-in and minimise resistance or backlash prior to implementation,” the statement added

As part of the directive, MDAs are required to suspend all planned or proposed policy rollouts that have not yet been implemented. They must also ensure that all new policy proposals and amendments introduced after January 2025 are backed by a comprehensive RIA and receive the necessary approvals.

Additionally, agencies have been instructed to undertake inclusive stakeholder engagement as part of their policy development processes and integrate the RIA framework into their internal procedures going forward.

To support implementation, MDAs have been advised to access the framework via the PEBEC website or seek technical guidance directly from the PEBEC Secretariat.

The government noted that exceptions to the directive would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest and would be subject to appropriate approvals.

It emphasised that the cooperation of all MDAs is critical to building a stable, consistent, and business-friendly regulatory environment capable of driving sustainable economic growth and boosting investor confidence.