The Federal Government is moving to hold Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to measurable performance targets, with a proposed framework to eliminate overlapping regulations, multiple fees and bureaucratic delays that increase the cost of doing business.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the initiative during a strategic engagement with heads of agencies and senior government officials at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja.

Under the proposed framework, agencies will be required to agree to measurable service-delivery commitments, including faster processing times, compliance with published deadlines and reductions in unnecessary regulatory procedures.

Oyedele said the next phase of Nigeria’s economic reforms must address the administrative bottlenecks businesses encounter when dealing with government institutions, arguing that public agencies should facilitate investment and expansion rather than impose avoidable costs on operators.

He urged agencies to remain within their statutory mandates and eliminate duplicate documentation requirements, multiple charges and procedures that impose additional burdens on businesses.

To address these challenges, the minister proposed a ‘One Government’ approach under which institutions would coordinate their activities instead of requiring businesses and other applicants to navigate conflicting demands from multiple agencies.

Where regulatory responsibilities overlap, he said, the objective should be to establish one lead agency, one process and one fee.

The proposed changes could reduce the time and administrative expenses businesses incur in obtaining approvals, complying with regulations and accessing government services, although the extent of any savings will depend on the framework’s implementation.

Oyedele also called on agencies to consult relevant stakeholders before introducing new regulations, evaluate the economic implications of proposed measures and coordinate with other institutions whose mandates may be affected.

He stressed the need to provide reasonable notice before major policy or regulatory changes take effect, giving businesses sufficient time to adjust their operations and compliance systems.

Beyond service delivery, the minister directed agencies to remit government revenues promptly and in full, transfer operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund and submit audited accounts in accordance with applicable laws.

The framework will also place the Ministry of Finance under similar performance expectations, with Oyedele acknowledging that slow internal approvals, delayed releases and outdated rules within government can undermine the effectiveness of public administration.

As an immediate next step, the ministry will review submissions from participating agencies and provide specific feedback within four to six weeks. The draft framework will subsequently be circulated for further consultation before agencies agree to measurable commitments.

Implementation will be reviewed periodically to assess whether institutions are meeting their targets and improving the speed, cost and quality of services.