PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER ON PROMOTION OF TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY IN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

What Is This Policy?

An Executive Order issued on May 18, 2017, directing all federal government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to promote transparency and efficiency in service delivery to improve Nigeria's business environment and ease of doing business.

Who Does It Target?

All Federal MDAs, businesses, investors (domestic and foreign), entrepreneurs, importers/exporters, and the general public seeking government services.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Improve Nigeria's ease of doing business ranking, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, promote transparency in government processes, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth.

Key Features

Transparency Mandate: All MDAs must publish complete lists of requirements, fees, and timelines for all services on their premises and websites Default Approval: Where an MDA fails to respond within stipulated timelines, the application is deemed approved 48-Hour Visa Processing: Tourist and business visas must be issued or rejected with reason within 48 hours Port Operations Reform: Streamlined customs and port clearance processes One-Stop Shop: Simplified business registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active since May 2017; codified in Business Facilitation Act, 2022 Coverage: All Federal MDAs nationwide Oversight: Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Key Result: Nigeria moved up 39 places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking Compliance Tracking: Regular monitoring reports published by PEBEC

How to Access

The Executive Order applies to all government services. MDAs are required to publish service requirements publicly. Businesses can report non-compliance through PEBEC channels. The Business Facilitation Act, 2022 codifies these provisions into law.

Important Terms

MDAs that fail to communicate approval or rejection within stipulated timelines are deemed to have approved the application PEBEC tracks and ranks MDAs on compliance levels The Business Facilitation Act, 2022 amends 21 business-related laws to codify EO1 provisions

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria moved up 39 places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking. The EO has been recognized as one of the FGN's most innovative strategic initiatives, improving MDA service delivery and reducing corruption.

Official Resources

Website: pfrn.gov.ng Contact: Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), The Presidency, Abuja

Legal Framework

Issued under the executive powers of the President vested by Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Complements the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the Public Service Rules, and sector-specific service charters. The Enabling Business Environment Secretariat coordinates implementation across MDAs operating under their enabling legislation and the National Policy on Public Private Partnerships.