In a bid to foster a business environment that thrives on innovation, creativity, and productivity, Vice President Kashim Shettima has called upon members of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda. This plea was made during the PEBEC Town Hall meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Recognizing the importance of MDAs functioning at their best and seamlessly aligning with the Tinubu administration’s agenda, Vice President Shettima emphasized that the success of government reforms hinges on the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders. He described the PEBEC town hall meeting as a rescue mission, aiming to create an environment where every business idea can flourish and endure.
“Our success is not limited to mere policy implementation, but rather measured by its impact on diverse businesses, from small-time traders in Kafanchan to large corporations on Lagos Island. Today, I sense our collective desire to transform this objective into a reality,” stated Vice President Shettima.
He urged all stakeholders, particularly the MDAs, to build upon the achievements of the past 120 days and reflect on the measurable outcomes of the Regulatory Reform Accelerator. Through timely feedback, rigorous monitoring, and shared responsibility, the vice president called for a continuous improvement of Nigeria’s business environment.
“We are the vehicles of the promises made by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Regulatory Reform Accelerator is an opportunity to inject life into our economy and restore hope to our nation. The quality of your ideas and the intensity of your energy are the sparks we need to stay on track and fulfill the burden of expectations placed upon us,” Vice President Shettima emphasized.
He also announced that PEBEC’s public sector reforms have achieved an impressive collective score of over 80 percent at the beginning of the 90-Day Regulatory Reform Accelerator. Despite a slow start, the commitment and actions of every minister, head of agency, Reform Champion, and BFA Committee Member have significantly increased reform implementation during the 30-day extension.
Vice President Shettima highlighted the crucial role of PEBEC as an enabler for MDAs in government, stressing the need for unified and collaborative efforts across the councils and agencies. He emphasized the necessity of institutionalizing reform capabilities, fostering deep collaboration across the government, and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement to ensure the long-term success of PEBEC.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia, expressed confidence that the outcome of the town hall meeting would contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment. Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser to the President of PEBEC and Investment, acknowledged the strong commitment of the Tinubu administration to ensuring steady improvements in the country’s business environment.
As Nigeria strives for economic prosperity, Vice President Shettima’s call for MDAs to align with Tinubu’s 8-point agenda serves as a rallying cry for all stakeholders to work together towards creating a business-friendly climate that fosters innovation, creativity, and productivity. This united effort will not only benefit the current generation but also pave the way for a better future for generations to come.
