Nigerian Govt Suspends Fresh Policy Rollouts Across MDAs Pending RIA Framework

Nigerian Government Suspends New Policy Issuance Pending Full Adoption of Regulatory Impact Analysis Framework

The Nigerian government has ordered a nationwide suspension of new policy issuance across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved. The directive, announced by the Director of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Audu, is part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve the ease of doing business in the country.

According to the statement, all MDAs are required to pause the introduction and rollout of any new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until they are reviewed and approved under the RIA Framework. The framework, formally implemented in January 2025, was circulated to all MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and is available on the PEBEC website.

The government says the move is necessary to prevent policy shocks that could adversely affect businesses, investors, and citizens. It also aims to eliminate inconsistencies and frequent reversals in policy, institutionalize evidence-based policymaking, enhance transparency, and ensure structured stakeholder engagement.

MDAs are directed to suspend all planned or proposed policy rollouts not yet formally implemented, ensure all new proposals are supported by a comprehensive RIA, undertake inclusive stakeholder engagement, and integrate the RIA process into internal policy formulation procedures. Exceptions will only be considered in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approval.

The government emphasized that while it remains committed to collaborative engagement with regulators, no new reform or policy will proceed without being grounded in clear, verifiable evidence. The RIA Framework is described as the structured mechanism through which such evidence-based decisions can be rigorously developed, assessed, and validated.

Officials say the directive is essential to building a more stable, consistent, and business-friendly regulatory environment that supports sustainable economic growth and investor confidence.